Robbie Stelling analyses the Vanarama National League play-off picture and Hartlepool United's chances of a top-seven finish on the latest episode of the Poolie Podcast.
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00:00They're right in the mix. As you say, only three points outside the top seven. They've certainly
00:05got a squad that is capable of going on a run towards the end of the season. They've obviously
00:11got decent strength and depth, especially over having added the likes of Jamie Mindley, Sam
00:16Flahery, Reyes Cleary and Jack Robertson in recent weeks. So Limbic does have a strong squad to
00:23select from. Joe Gray and Anthony Mancini, who have both been big misses as well, are hopefully nearing
00:28a return. So there's no reason Pools can't put a run together. But obviously, if they are going to
00:32sneak into the playoff places, they're going to need to put a run together. They've drawn far too
00:36many games. Nine of the last 18 in the National League have ended in draws. So although they've
00:42been very difficult to beat, they've dropped a lot of points. And last night's game against
00:47Tamworth was another one where it will feel like two points dropped rather than a point gain.
00:53The things that are going to work against them, obviously, are the fact that there are a number
00:57of teams vying for realistically one or two playoff spots. Halifax, as I mentioned earlier,
01:04look like they are beginning to stumble somewhat. They've got a pretty small
01:10squad, operate under a generally reasonably restrictive budget. Chris Millington does a great
01:15job there, but it's going to be interesting to see whether they can rally. I think that
01:19teams below them will be looking at them potentially as the one that they're going to
01:24be able to reel in. But there are so many sides in the mix.