Butler has answer to Pool goals shortage

The return to action of Adam Boyd and Joel Porter has given everyone a lift, as well as boosting Pool's firepower.

The pair have netted four times between them in recent weeks, Porter grabbing two in as many games.

Butler should be in contention for a start in next Friday's Victoria Park game with Oldham.

He will be on the bench this afternoon as Paul Stephenson's side go to leaders Southend.

Looking on from the sidelines in recent weeks as he recovered from hamstring damage, Butler can see where Pool's problems lie.

"The manager and Steve Agnew left and Paul came in and lifted everyone,'' said the former Republic of Ireland international.

"Various other things had happened and we needed lifting. It's been a bit of a debacle this season, everything that could have gone wrong has gone wrong.

"But Paul came in and tried a few other things, started to turn it around and got a few good results. Now we need to stay focused and turn draws into wins.

"We could do with some more consistency from everyone; we need more in front of goal from us all.

"Our two main strikers are back, Joel and Boydie, but we can't just rely on them for goals. Everyone has to chip in.

"We need them from everyone, because there's a lot of pressure on the two strikers. If they don't score, then no-one else seems to be scoring.

"Everyone in the team has a job to be in front of goal, hopefully people can chip in with a few.''

Butler first suffered hamstring problems at Victoria Park in the game with Southend on December 28.

Pool lost that game 2-1 after visiting keeper Daryl Flahaven had a blinder.

Butler returned to action in the draw at Swansea on January 21, but lasted less than 30 minutes as he suffered a recurrence of the injury.

A 60-minute run-out for the reserves in midweek has put him back in contention for a place in Stephenson's squad.

"I'm not 100 per cent year, but I got an hour the other day and it's a case of building it up,'' he said.

"I felt OK and probably could have played the full game for the reserves, but an hour is a precautionary thing.

"I've been out a while, so I don't think I'm ready to start a full first-team game just yet, but it's up to the manager if he's going to include me. The main thing is I'm available.

"Hopefully the injury is well behind me now. I've suffered from hamstring problems in the past and you cannot predict when they are going to happen.

"As a winger, you go from a jog to a sudden burst of pace and that's when they can go, no matter how warmed up you are.

"You cannot just go through the motions and be worried about it going again during a game at any time - you have to forget about it.

"It's frustrating because this season we had high hopes of really doing well. We hoped for big things.

"We've been having a lot of draws lately and in terms of points, we need more. All I want to do is get back in and help out.

"We've a big run-in now, I'm available if needed. We look at every game as a vital one, a big one, and we need to turn draws into wins and move away from trouble.

"Three points are so valuable now, they can make a massive difference.''

Southend lost at MK Dons last week and boss Steve Tilson said: "Hartlepool are a decent side, earlier this season we were probably a bit lucky on the day to win," he said.

"They play good football and it should be a good match.''

Pool will this year be fielding a team in the North-East Masters for the first time.

The six-a-side event for over-35s sees Pool joining Newcastle, Middlesbrough and Sunderland at the Metro Radio Arena on July 8. Former Pool striker Joe Allon will manage the side, after rejecting the chance to play for Chelsea in the London Masters.

A testimonial dinner for skipper Micky Barron is being held at the Staincliffe Hotel, Seaton Carew, on Saturday, May 13.

Tickets, £25, include a three-course dinner and entertainment and can be bought by telephoning John Breward on 01429 292584 or the Staincliffe on 01429 264301.

Read more about Hartlepool here.