A BITTER row has erupted between Hartlepool United chairman Ken Hodcroft and two fellow Third Division supremos.

The war of words stems from Pool's £50,000 compensation demands for putting back next week's fixture with Scunthorpe United by a day.

The Iron wanted the Victoria Park club to change the match to Saturday, December 21, so that their FA Cup tie with Carlisle United could be screened live on Sky TV on the Thursday before - with the winners set for a lucrative pay-day against Premiership side Leeds United.

Both Scunthorpe and the Cumbrians will receive £100,000 each for playing in front of the cameras and Pool believe they are entitled to a cut of that figure for switching the League tie. In an official statement yesterday Hodcroft revealed that changing the date of the clash could lead to a 'considerable' loss in match receipts.

It read: "My position and that of Hartlepool United is quite clear. We would gladly take no compensation from Carlisle United or Scunthorpe United, provided we were able to play the game on Friday night as originally planned.

"We were put in an invidious position by the FA who put the onus on us to decide the issue rather than insisting that the game be played on the original date.

"I feel that it is wrong that we should be put in the position of deciding whether or not two other clubs should receive £100,000 each.

"We tried to switch the game to Sunday but were refused by the police and so were forced to play on Saturday.

"We expect to lose a considerable amount of money at the turnstile, through sponsors who are unable to make the switch and so on.

"We reluctantly accepted the move but felt it appropriate to ask both clubs to contribute towards compensating us - after all, they are both receiving £100,000. My sole purpose in doing so was to protect the interests of Hartlepool United."

Prior to Mr Hodcroft releasing his statement, Carlisle chief John Courtenay had described how he had tried three times to agree a compensation package with Pool before the 5pm deadline which Sky had set. Mr Courtenay's statement indicated that his club and Scunthorpe offered:

--£10,000 each;

- £10,000 each plus compensation for sponsors; and

- £12, 500 each

But all three were refused. Five minutes before the deadline, Pool reputedly faxed back and asked for £25,000 from each club, which was agreed. And that has led to Mr Courtenay slamming his opposite number at Victoria Park, saying: "Ourselves and Scunthorpe had no choice but to give them £50,000. We have been held to ransom.

"I think it is disgusting and I think we have been treated in an extortionate fashion.

"But what goes around comes around, and if Hartlepool ever need a favour from us, I hope they don't even bother ringing because that will save them the embarrassment of being told to go away."

Carlisle's general manager Paul Bell added: "As for the amount Carlisle may or may not receive, the chairman of Hartlepool United is well aware of the situation here at Brunton Park.

"We have been out of administration a matter of weeks and are bound by a CVA agreement which leaves us hamstrung financially."

Scunthorpe's chairman, Steve Wharton also blasted Pool. He said: "I have not been so upset about something for a long time, it beggars belief what Hartlepool have done.

"Everybody knows the financial state that football is in and I cannot believe that Hartlepool were not more willing to help two of their fellow Third Division clubs.