WHEN it comes to managers, Hartlepool United don't do it by the book - expect the unexpected is the norm from owners Increased Oil Recovery and chairman Ken Hodcroft.

The timing of Neale Cooper's departure came as a shock but surely the next appointment after his surprise exit is as straightforward as it comes.

Martin Scott was close to getting the job when Cooper was appointed and, almost two years down the line, there is no better candidate than the former Sunderland full-back.

After learning his trade as youth team coach, Scott has done a fine job with the reserve team and, in turn, on the training ground with the first-team squad.

Cooper might have been the front man, the manager who took the plaudits, but

it's no secret that Scott's tactical influence has been massive.

Hartlepool United Football Club is just one part of a huge international business.

As a result the club is run like any successful business, along sound principles.

Unrest in the camp of late won't have gone down well with the chairman.

Micky Nelson and Jim Provett have asked to leave during the season and Jack Ross has apparently left without consent, while skipper Micky Barron

deserves better than to be shunted on to the sidelines like he has of late.

A deep-lying continuity has been the key at Victoria Park.

Mike Newell didn't tick the right boxes and was replaced by Cooper, with Scott rewarded for his efforts with a promotion.

When things started tailing off under Cooper - 12 points from the last 39 - Hodcroft felt his time was up.

Perhaps Saturday's poor performance in front of the chairman, coupled with the Cooper consistently being linked with a return to Scotland, proved the final straw.

If he comes through Saturday and the potential three games after that unscathed, Scott will leave Hodcroft with no choice.

He and Paul Stephenson will have earned their chance to take Hartlepool to new heights.

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