CARETAKER boss Martin Scott admits he has already put plans in place for taking over the reins at Hartlepool United full-time.

But the fall-out from the departure of popular boss Neale Cooper continues to rumble on ahead of today's make-or-break League One play-off decider with Bournemouth.

Large numbers of fans have voiced their frustrations at the way the Pool board have refused to reveal the reason why Cooper parted company with the club on Wednesday.

An official statement from Pool yesterday asked fans to vote with their feet if they are unhappy with the way things are being run at Victoria Park - even suggesting owners Increased Oil Recovery could walk away.

It read: "The club and IOR once again state that all decisions made are reached with the best future interests of the club in mind. They may not always be right but we believe our track record over nearly eight years is there to be judged.

"The reasons behind any decisions do not always have to be made public. However, once the club moves in a direction, all we can do is ask for the support of its fans but if you, the fans, don't want IOR running the club then voice your support to have them leave - and they may just do that."

The lengthy statement also claimed that Pool fans could be reimbursed if they have purchased tickets for the long trip to the south coast and would prefer not to go.

"The club advises that any fan who is unhappy with the change of management and has bought a ticket for the Bournemouth game to watch Neale Cooper can, on presentation of an unused match ticket and suitable identification, claim a full refund," it added.

Scott took his players to Bournemouth ahead of this afternoon's match yesterday knowing a point is required if Pool are to stay in that final play-off spot.

And the 37-year-old, Cooper's right-hand man during his two years in charge, is fully focused on the job in hand and has clearly made his intentions to become the next manager known.

He said: "I have a short term plan of getting three points on Saturday. Then, after that, I have plenty of long-term plans. I know which players I would like to bring in and those I would like to stay.

"I will sit down with board after Saturday's game and I have told the chairman to put everything on the back burner."

Scott is determined to push former Hartlepool boss Chris Turner all the way for the manager's post but Newcastle coach John Carver has thrown his hat into the ring.

Carver, Sir Bobby Robson's former assistant at St James' Park, has been sounded out about the prospect of taking over and would welcome the opportunity to take the step into management himself.

But he has told friends that he believes Scott deserves to be given a chance after being overlooked in favour of Cooper two years ago.

Pool go to Dean Court with an 18-man squad but have doubts over the fitness of Ben Clark and Joel Porter.

Scott, though, despite all the off-field distractions at the club believes the whole squad are determined to make sure they do not drop out of the top six on the final day of the campaign.

"I know how much last week's defeat to Walsall hurt.

"It has meant that we have to go to Bournemouth on the last day of the season and finish the job. The players deserve to be in the top six," he said.

"It's a bit different to last year when we had to go to Swindon and get a result because both teams needed a draw.

"Bournemouth is a totally different game. They need to win and will put their lads forward to make sure they get a result."

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