FOR some, dropping from one of the most lavish clubs in the world to League One might seem a comedown.

Instead, for James Poole a move from Manchester City to Hartlepool United could prove the making of him.

The attacker, who was part of the winning team at Pools golf day at Wynard this week, left the Etihad Stadium in the summer for Victoria Park, a move which started in earnest 12 months ago when he spent a stint on loan at Pools.

At City the chances of a first-team slot were slim to none, the route from academy to first-team pretty much shut off by the Middle East billions.

Manchester born Poole admitted: "It's sad to see so few players coming through the ranks at the bigger clubs in the Premier League, but I've seen the changes first hand at City over the years to see both sides.

"Now you've got to be one the of the best five players in the world to even have a chance of getting through and that's the way the club is now.

"And, as a fan, I'm delighted. I've moved away from there now and City and flying but it's good to see young players come through at any club and given a chance. It's a massive lift for all.''

With three goals to his name this season, all coming in substitute appearances from the bench, Poole is out to keep his place in the side this afternoon.

Pools go to Chesterfield on the back of three successive losses, a unexpected run on the back of nine unbeaten at the start of the season.

Poole started last weekend against Wycombe and admitted: "Saturday was disappointing, especially following Notts County. No-one expected it but it happens in football. We've had a great start and showed quality. This is a big game to come and one we have to win to stop the rot.

"I got a start last week and it was nice to be in from the off. The gaffer has showed faith in me and hopefully I'll repay that in the future again.

"I had a few chances and snatched at them when I should have scored really. As a striker you look back on them and it makes you wonder.

"It was a tight game, but it's about learning to put them away and that's how you win games. I've come off the bench a lot and it's about finding that consistency to my game.

"I've come off the bench at times and been really involved and in others been on the periphery really. That's part of learning and about having an impact on games even when I'm not playing well.

"There's highs and lows, I'm used to feeling on top of the world one week and then not playing the next.''

Poole is likely to keep his place today, paired up front with Adam Boyd as Pools visit the B2 Net Stadium for the first time following Chesterfield's promotion last season from League Two.

"I'm delighted to be involved and be part of a first-team squad here,'' he said. "The fans have been good to me, I give 100 per cent and as a football fan myself I appreciate what they want to see from players.

"All I can do is improve and give my all and hopefully it will come. I hope I start at the weekend, I want to play every week, but we lost last weekend and it's up to the boss to make those decisions.

"Anyone can beat anyone in this league, it's crazy and we have to get back on track again. We are all up for it and want to get the last couple of games out of our system.

"We've been bright in training and it's been good. Hopefully the win will come, which is paramount over performance. I'd take a bad performance and a win.

"We didn't see this coming, I don't think anyone did. It happens and the key is not to let the rot set in and become a habit. We put them behind us and move forward.''