CHIRIS Westwood called it a "life-changing decision" and the consequences could be far-reaching.

As the Hartlepool United defender trudged away from the Millennium Stadium last Sunday, he was left to rue what might have been.

But it's also a case of what might be.

When Phil Crossley pulled up Westwood for a foul with nine minutes of the League One play-off final remaining, Pool were in touching distance of The Championship.

Instead, the biggest day the club has ever been a part of ended in despair.

With the Cardiff hangovers now starting to recede, the next few weeks could be vital in shaping the club's future.

"This bus drives itself,'' said Gordon Watson infamously when Chris Turner left before he was replaced by Mike Newell.

Under Increased Oil Recovery Ltd it does, but it still needs a good map reader in the front seat.

With Martin Scott leading Pool to Cardiff in a caretaker capacity, there are also question marks over the future of a number of players.

Westwood is out of contract and is undecided over his future. A return to the midlands appeals and the consistent defender could put family first.

As a free agent, there will be no shortage of admirers of the classy stopper.

It remains to be seen if the games he misses through suspension at the start of next season are with Pool.

Alongside Micky Nelson, the pair are one of the most respected double acts in the lower divisions.

Nelson asked to leave last November but Pool won't let him go and, whatever the rights and wrongs of his contract spat with the club, they must make sure he stays.

Losing Westwood would be a major blow, losing both would be catastrophic.

Behind them, Dimi Konstantopoulos has earned a reputation as big as his gargantuan frame. Wigan and Fulham are among his admirers and the big Greek is another who would be badly missed.

Adam Boyd flattered to deceive in Cardiff - he shot wide from an inviting position in the first-half - but 29 goals and a velvet touch means he is worth a shot at the big time.

Under contract for another two years, Pool don't have to sell and don't want to. It would take an offer well in excess of the million pound barrier for Pool's owners to even contemplate selling him.

His strike partner Joel Porter has gone back to Austrialia for a holiday and he gave every indication he would be back next season as Pool, driven by Sunday's sense of injustice, aim for success again next season. Who leads that drive for success remains to be seen.

The media were warned off - with the threat of a ban - asking about the manager's post in the Cardiff aftermath. But it shouldn't be an issue.

Scott has done everything right in his time at the club, from youth to first-team level, and should be appointed the minute he arrives back from his holiday.

Chris Turner remains a friend of the chairman, as does Peter Beardsley, but appointing either - or anyone else - would be a kick in the teeth for Scott.

When Scott was appointed No 2 by Ken Hodcroft in 2003, a decision proved every bit as correct now as it was then, the Pool chairman revealed IOR recognise hard work with promotion.

"Martin has been rewarded for the hard work of the last few years,'' he said.

"If someone wants to work with us then it is 99 per cent of the battle''

Scott may have missed out on promotion on the field but deserves to see it off the park.

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