For the second week running, we played Friday night football and again we could look at the results coming in on Saturday with a convincing lead at the top of the table.

It's certainly a great feeling to be top and great credit must go to everyone at the club from the players down to the staff at Victoria Park. I had to sit out the previous game against Bristol Rovers and managed to keep busy during the game by helping out with the commentary on the radio and internet.

It's something I've done in the past and it was good to get involved again. I was on the bench against York and now we all must work even harder in the coming months to make sure we stay in top spot - everyone wants to beat the leaders and prove a point when they play us.

We've got another spell of long away trips in the next few weeks. We go to Southend in the FA Cup a week on Saturday and go to Exeter this week. It's hard on our supporters when they have spells like this, but they have been tremendous, especially away from home, and I believe their excellent support has helped us to achieve improved results.

Speaking of improved results, I' d like to wish Mick Tait and Craid Liddle all the best in their management role at Darlo. Mick brought me to Hartlepool on a permanent basis and I have him to thank for that. He is a great man and I hope everything works out well - but not too well! I know Craig wanted to move into coaching at some point. This might have come along a bit earlier than expected, but I am sure he will give it his all and will do a good job.

Published: 05/11/2002