Hartlepool United manager Darren Sarll relishing prospect of returning to Yeovil

Hartlepool United manager Darren Sarll is looking forward to returning to Yeovil, where he spent a “beautifully tragic” three years in charge, as Pools prepare to kick off their new National League campaign this weekend.

Sarll managed at Huish Park from 2019 to 2022, leading the Glovers to the National League play-offs in his first season. His tenure was marked by the tragic suicide of Yeovil captain Lee Collins, who was just 32 when he passed away, along with several off-field uncertainties.

Yeovil seems to be on more stable ground now, celebrating their return to the National League after winning the National League South with 95 points last season. Despite a challenging summer, the Glovers have gained momentum, with experienced manager Mark Cooper signing a new three-year deal and chairman Martin Hellier promising an injection of funds. They have added eight new players, including defender Finn Cousin-Dawson, who impressed on loan at Blyth Spartans last season and was linked with Pools before moving to Huish Park.

For Pools, who ended their pre-season with a 3-1 defeat to Nottingham Forest B, the trip to Somerset will be their longest of the season. Sarll isn’t the only one returning to familiar territory, as new signings Adam Smith and Billy Sass-Davies also have past ties to the West Country.

Sarll hopes to have most of his squad available, although there are concerns over Anthony Mancini, who has had a disrupted summer, and Greg Sloggett, who is expected to be out until next Saturday’s game against Southend. Long-term absentee Kieran Wallace is back in light training but won’t be available for selection for some time.

“I had a beautifully tragic time there,” Sarll said. “It’s a great club. My daughter was born in the South West after I became the manager, and I have many connections to the area. During that difficult period, the fanbase and the club were very supportive of me and the players. There is a bit of a connection there, and it would be wrong of me to downplay it.

“I’m looking forward to going back. It’s a brilliant football club with a great ground, and it will be a tough match. Mark (Cooper) is excellent, very experienced, and tactically smart.”

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