HARTLEPOOL UNITED

Vanarama National League

Sunday 18th November 2018

Kick Off: 4.30 pm

Stadium:

Victoria Park, Clarence Road, Hartlepool, TS24 8BZ

Telephone:

01429 272 584

Club Colours:

Blue and White Stripes

Nickname:

The Pool or locally “Pools” or Monkeyhangers

Key Personnel:

Matthew Bates is the current Manager and has been at the helm since February 2018 although he had been caretaker after the sacking of Dave Jones a year earlier.

Born in Stockton on Tees, defender Bates spent eight seasons at Middlesbrough followed by spells at Bristol City, Bradford City and Hartlepool

Brief Directions by Road:

A1M to its junction 60. Follow signs for Hartlepool A689, At roundabout turn right still A689. Stay on this road passing Sedgefield. After approx. 12 miles you will reach the village of Newton Bewley which is a nice stop off spot for lunch. Out of village still on A689 and follow Town Centre signs for 3 miles, over two roundabouts. At the traffic lights just past the Blacksmiths Arms on your left, go straight on. At the next traffic lights go straight on again over the bridge into the new marina complex and straight on again at the roundabout into Marina Way. This is the area for the Jackson’s Wharf parking. To get to the ground itself continue to the next roundabout and turn left (s/p The North A179, A1048). Turn left at the lights into Clarence Road to the ground. These directions courtesy of HUFC.

Car Parking:

Cars can park for £5.00 at the ground but this will have to be pre-booked on 01429 272 584 unless you look for street parking which is fairly restricted close to the ground.

Directions by Train:

A morning train from Kings Cross will take about four hours. The ground is a 15-minute walk from the station. Turn right into Church Street. Go over the junction with the A 689 and the ground can clearly be seen in front of you on the left.

Eating and Drinking Locally:

The Marina Complex which is 200 yards from the ground is full of places to eat and be merry. The Corner Flag is the Supporters Association HQ and visiting fans are made welcome. Always a good place to visit is the Jackson’s Wharf Pub near the ground. It has decent food and a terrific range of ales. Inside the ground the Meat & Potato pies are legendary.

Ground Description:

The Cyril Knowles Stand is the most recent addition to Victoria Park and is a nice one (old 1970’s joke for our older readers). It replaced what was the most precarious old wooden stand. Opposite is the Niramax Stand which was put together in 1968 and is a fine example of early cantilever roof design (i.e. giving an unobstructed view). It sits behind a sturdy bank of terracing. To the right is the home covered terrace called the Town End (but a proper one not like at Southburied Road) while down the other end is our home for the afternoon the Rink End stand which is basic covered seating offering a reasonable view of proceedings although it has supporting pillars along the front. Please note it will be very cold here!

Admission Prices:

Advance Online Sales:

Adult – £18
Concessions – £9
Under 16 – £5

Click here to purchase in advance.

On the day:
Adult – £20
Concessions – £10
Under 16 – £5

Previous Meetings and Memories:

April 2017, and a fine 2-0 win (John Akinde and Simeon Akinola) was a welcome three points after 4 straight defeats.

For the visit in October 2015 another John Akinde goal featured in a 1-1 draw.

Other meetings include our relegation season 2000-1 when we were completely thrashed 6-1 at Victoria Park and outclassed at Underhill and beaten 3-1. Better times were in the mid-1990’s when a brilliant Dougie Freedman hat-trick was the highlight of a 4-0 win at Underhill in 1995 and a Lee Hodges hat trick also at Underhill in a 5-1 win in 1996.

Celebrity Watch:

1960’s American pop music phenomenon The Monkees were all fans of the club. Reg Smythe, who invented cartoon character Andy Capp was born here. Wayne Sleep, ballet dancer, was educated here. Yep, that’s about it! Oh, hold on a minute I forgot to mention Sky Sports presenter Jeff Stelling who is an avid Pool fan – arguably the best ever football show presenter?