The Archive

  Ed Parkinson on Hartlepool United

What was the key to the team’s success this past season?
The midfield has been brilliant this year. Mark Tinkler, Richie Humphreys, Darrell Clarke and Tommy Widdrington are all comfortable on the ball and look to pass to feet. This wholesale rejection of traditional hoofing has alienated some die-hard “get rid of it” advocates. I’ve loved it, though, and, although the promotion team of 1991 had better strikers, the football over the last 18 months has been the best I’ve seen at Pools.

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Tom Davies explores the role supporters are playing in saving their clubs

The supporters’ group that has assumed con­trol at Exeter City is facing a sizeable battle to keep the club alive over the summer. Their relegation from the Football League on the last day of the season was swiftly followed by the arrest of chairman John Russell and vice-chair­man Mike Lewis over allegations of fi­nancial irregularities. The pair, who were bail­ed to return to police in September, prompt­ly stepped down, leaving the club’s reported debts at more than £2 million with creditors closing in.

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John Chapman explains why the Belgian FA is making it tough for clubs

In a country with 18 political parties and three official languages, it’s no surprise the Bel­gian FA has labyrinthine regulations. Euro 2000 supremo and ex-FA official Alain Cour­tois once commented: “They’re so complicated, I’m totally lost.” Recently, those same regulations have swung into action as economic realism hit Belgian football with a vengeance.

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Isidro Langara explores the reasons behind the deaprture of Jesus Gil from Atletico Madrid

Goodbye to the great entertainer. Atlético Mad­rid’s controversial president Jesús Gil y Gil has announced his resignation, claiming it’s the “best thing” for the club over which he loom­­ed large, figuratively and literally, for 16 years.

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It might not be everyone's cup of tea but the Confederations Cup certainly has its worth

Much heat and little light have been expended in recent weeks over the length of the football season, with especial reference to England’s European Championship qualifier against Slovakia on June 11.

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