MARTIN Scott believes former Pool boss Neale Cooper will receive a warm welcome on his return to Victoria Park tonight.

Cooper is back for the first time since he was controversially dismissed six months ago, and brings a Gillingham side currently lying three points and four places below his former charges.

The Scot left Hartlepool after the club's penultimate game of last term - a 3-1 home defeat against Walsall.

It was arguably Pool's worst performance of the season and, ironically, after the game Cooper said: "It's these sorts of performances that get managers the sack!"

No explanation was given for Cooper's departure at the time but both parties have moved on since, and there is believed to be no acrimony in either camp.

Scott managed to steady the Pool ship in the aftermath of the storm and eventually steered the club into the uncharted waters of the League One play-off final, while Cooper found new employment when he was installed as Gills boss a month later, taking over from Stan Ternent.

But Cooper's tenure is fondly remembered by the Vic faithful - despite the progress made by Scott since taking the helm - after taking Hartlepool to within a whisker of the Championship on two separate occasions.

"It happens all over with managers going back to their old clubs," said Scott ahead of tonight's head-to-head with his former boss.

"Obviously I didn't get myself involved with that (his departure) at the time. And all I am focused on now is the players and getting three points against Gillingham.

"I haven't spoken to Neale ahead of the game because you rarely get time to talk to anyone outside the club - it's the nature of the job.

"But they had a great result on Saturday against Blackpool and no doubt he'll fancy his chances to put one over on us, that's the way football is.

"I never worry about opposing managers or opposing teams I just concentrate on my own job. But I think he'll get a good reception and I can't see any problems why not."

Cooper, who hailed the Gills' win over Blackpool on Saturday as vital, not just for himself but everyone connected with the club, revealed he is relishing a return to his old club tonight.

He said: "It will be strange for me to go back there but it will be nice to come back with a vital point, although a win would be great."

But Scott's side will have something to say about that after enjoying back-to-back victories over MK Dons and Port Vale, with performances that suggest Pool are finally finding some consistency.

"We've had two good results which always helps belief and confidence and we're trying to continue that," said the Pool boss who revealed he never doubted his team would turn the corner.

"Football is all about winning and our away form has been good and to get another win away just shows what great character we have within the squad.

"After 15 games last year we had 20 points and after 15 games this year we're on 20 points. I think this shows those people who have been frustrated and have been panicking a bit that we're not that far off. We are playing well and hopefully we can continue that.

"My opinion of the players and their beliefs will never change. We always knew we would be OK. Results have helped us recently but my belief in the players was we would eventually do well - even though we have had key players missing through injury."

Aside from the long-term injuries to Adam Boyd and Joel Porter Scott can select from a full squad although he is without the suspended Ben Clark and Mark Tinkler.

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