Pools Boss Returns to Former Stomping Ground
Darren Sarll, the current manager of Hartlepool United, is set to face his former side Woking on Monday in a National League clash. Sarll spent 18 months in charge of the Cards, leading them to the National League play-offs in his first season at the helm before being sacked in November 2023 following a run of eight defeats in 10 games that saw his side stranded in the bottom half.
Sarll was appointed Pools boss six months after his Woking exit and will take his new team back to his old stomping ground following an impressive start to the campaign that has seen them win two and draw two of their first four matches. While Sarll could be forgiven for feeling a little extra motivation to get one over on his former employers, he insists he'll treat Monday's meeting just like any other match.
"Absolutely not," he said. "Today (Wealdstone) makes it more important that we go there and we really show what we are, show what we are about. It's important we carry on learning and it's not about me, it's about the players. I don't think eight points from four games is too bad a return. What we've got to try and do now is finish with 11 points from five games and see out the month properly."
Potential Lineup
Hartlepool United will be looking to continue their strong start to the season, and they will be hoping to get a positive result against Woking. Here is a potential lineup for Pools:
Goalkeeper
Has yet to concede on his travels this season but can expect to be kept busy against a Woking side who put three past Ebbsfleet on Saturday. Teams have tended to try and bombard his box and swing corners under his bar so far this term but he's dealt with the barrage admirably and will need to maintain his strong start in Surrey.
Defenders
In line for his first start since signing for Pools having made a positive impact after replacing Louis Stephenson at half time of Saturday's game against Wealdstone. Might lack the dynamism or attacking threat of his teenage teammate but will add experience and know-how to the right side of defence.
A second game in three days will be tough on the 34-year-old's body but the skipper is an almost automatic selection whenever he's available and came straight back into the side on Saturday following his suspension.
Much like Waterfall alongside him, it will be a physical test for the experienced defender, who has started all four of his side's games so far this season. Wasn't at his best against Wealdstone but hard to imagine any strikers relish the prospect of an afternoon up against him.
Woking's Resurgence
Woking, who are now managed by former Coventry and Sheffield United midfielder Michael Doyle, lost their first two matches but have responded with back-to-back victories, beating Dagenham and Redbridge before thumping strugglers Ebbsfleet 3-0 on Saturday. The Cards will be looking to build on their recent form and will be confident of getting a positive result against their former manager.
Key Battle
The key battle in this match could be between the two managers. Sarll will be looking to prove that he is a better manager than Doyle, while Doyle will be looking to show that he is the right man to lead Woking to success. Both managers will be looking to outwit the other and will be hoping to get the better of their former colleague.
Conclusion
This match promises to be a fascinating encounter between two teams with contrasting fortunes in the early stages of the season. Hartlepool United will be looking to continue their impressive start, while Woking will be looking to build on their recent resurgence. The match could go either way, but it is sure to be a close and competitive affair.
