Hartlepool United boss Darren Sarll shocking coach journey admission on win over Yeovil

Hartlepool United manager Darren Sarll revealed that his team endured an 11-hour coach journey before securing a 1-0 victory over Yeovil on Saturday. Despite the grueling travel, Pools started their National League campaign with a hard-fought win, thanks to a brilliant goal from debutant Jack Hunter 25 minutes from the end.

The visitors were impressive with their organization, energy, and tenacity, making it a shock when Sarll disclosed the challenging trip they had endured. The revamped Pools squad was prepared for a tough journey, as the trip to Yeovil is the longest of their entire season.

However, things took a turn for the worse as Pools traveled south, with assistant manager Carl Dickinson even having to hold an impromptu training session at a service station.

Remarkably, despite the ordeal, Pools showed few signs of travel fatigue and delivered a determined, disciplined performance at Huish Park, with manager Darren Sarll triumphing over one of his former teams.

“It was a tough day yesterday. I wouldn’t mention this if we’d lost or drawn, but we had an 11-hour coach journey,” Sarll said.

“We had to adjust our training plans on the way down and ended up not training at all. We left Hartlepool at eight and arrived at seven, went straight to dinner, and then to bed.

“We did manage to work with the players this morning. The staff were fantastic.

“I just hope the return journey is quicker!”

Match-winner Jack Hunter, who arguably shone the most during the match, was impressed with how his new teammates handled the challenging journey to the West Country.

The 26-year-old, who scored only once in 79 appearances for his previous club Halifax, made an immediate impact by opening his account for Pools within an hour. He praised the squad’s resilience.

“I think the most notable thing was that I didn’t hear anyone complaining, which is unusual in football,” Hunter said.

“Yesterday was tough, but everyone just got on with it, and we handled it well. Today, you wouldn’t have known about the journey from how we played.

“It’s a testament to the lads that we dealt with it so well.”

<div  id='HB_Footer_Close_hbagency_space_105030'>
 <div id='HB_CLOSE_hbagency_space_105030'></div>
 <div id='HB_OUTER_hbagency_space_105030'>
<div id='hbagency_space_105030'></div>
 </div></div>