Pool's keeper Provett grabs his big chance with both hands

Provett, in his first season as Pool's number one choice, was this week crowned both the supporters and players choice as player of the year.

Coming in the week the club secured a place in the play-offs and in the campaign which still promises plenty with the play-off games against Bristol City to come and Provett is on a high.

The level-headed 22-year-old started the season on the bench, but was given his chance in the second game.

And he admitted: "I could never have dreamed how well the season has gone. If I'm honest, I thought the writing was on the wall for me after the team was read out for the first game at Peterborough and I was on the bench.

"Then I got the chance and I just wanted to do myself justice. I played one game pre-season against Sheffield Wednesday and didn't do myself justice, but in other games I did well.

"The Cup game at Hillsborough was the turning point. I knew myself that night that I had to impress and take the chance I had been given.

"I had the feeling before the game that it would be my night and, thankfully, it was.

"I saved a penalty in the shoot-out which made the difference, but the lads stuck away all their penalties and that's something you don't see happen all the time.''

At the turn of the year Provett signed a new contract to stay at Victoria Park and became a father for the first time, when girlfiend Natalie gave birth to Halle Mae.

He admitted: "This season couldn't have gone better personally. I was given a chance, signed a new contract and became a dad - she's a little star and really keeps me going.

"It was lovely to have her at Swindon last Saturday and I was straight over to her at the end. She's been to a few games and we haven't lost in any of them, so I'll have to make sure she is at both the play-off games!''

Provett will be between the sticks tomorrow as the Sky Sports cameras descend on Victoria Park for the first time.

And he was quick to pay tribute to the rest of the squad who have exceeded all expectations this season.

He said: "It means a hell of a lot to get the vote from the players. They are the lads I train and work with every day, they are a great bunch and whoever got it would have been a deserving winner.

"To get the fans' choice as well is great. To be honest, I thought Micky Nelson might have been there, he's had a fantastic season, but saying that, so have a lot of the lads.

"We are all in it together, and it's that togetherness which has helped us all season long.

"This club has progressed over the last five years like no other. We have had success at all levels, youth team, reserves and first team.

"I've always supported the club as a lad and I've been here during the bad times watching from the terraces. Since IOR came in there has been a massive turnaround.''

Provett, who came through the youth ranks at Victoria Park, admits confidence and belief are high in the Pool camp.

Neale Cooper's side are the play-off outsiders this season, Danny Wilson's men are favourites to win at the Millennium Stadium on June 29, and Provett admitted: "Last Saturday at Swindon was a massive game for the club, but all the lads will tell you the same - no-one here thought we couldn't do it.

"We always had the belief we could do it.

"And it's the same with the play-offs, everyone is so confident.

"We have had two good games with Bristol City this season and when they won at our place it was during their run when they won something like 11 games on the bounce.

"They are a big side and beginning to be a massive club again, but there is no reason at all why Hartlepool cannot beat them.

"Hopefully, we can keep our one game TV unbeaten run going! It took long enough to win a live game, so let's keep it going.

"Our record in the play-offs isn't the best, but this has been a tremendous season and whatever happens, we can hold our heads up.

"Everyone has worked really hard both in training and on the pitch to get where we are and you can see the rewards."

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