IT HAS been a big week for Hartlepool United – the next one could be even bigger for stand-in boss Micky Barron.
After Mick Wadsworth left the club last Tuesday, Barron was asked to take charge for this match.
Despite losing in controversial circumstances, the club’s first-team coach will now decide if he wants to throw his hat into the ring to be the club’s next permanent boss.
Chairman Ken Hodcroft will assess applicants this week, but the way Pool played at Griffin Park indicated Barron would have every chance if he decides to apply.
Pool were positive in their outlook with a three-man attack and were beaten by a controversial penalty decision.
A well-executed tackle in the penalty area by Antony Sweeney was deemed illegal and Gary Alexander slotted in the rebound from the spot after Scott Flinders saved his spot kick.
Barron said: “I was quite calm beforehand and was until the penalty. There were some strange decisions in the second-half which I got frustrated with but I enjoyed it.
“I was a bit worried and anxious about it beforehand.
“I just see it as doing a job I have been asked to do.
“I coach the team and will carry on doing it. We tried to knock it around and pass it a bit more in the final third.
“We just wanted that finish or killer ball to make a difference.”
He then said: “Have I enjoyed it? No. No. It has been busy and hectic and upsetting as well to be honest but when I am with the players and on the training ground it is good.
“When I am at the game it is good, it is the time in between which is different - thinking about subs and who is travelling, things I don’t normally have to do which are different for me.”
With a goalless draw looking likely, Pool fell behind and it was all their own doing.
Niall McGinn’s chip was misread by Flinders and the ball slipped through his grasp and ended up in the back of the net.
Barron’s boys levelled instantly when Sam Collins curled in from around 25 yards.
However, the penalty awarded within minutes sent Pool home empty-handed, giving Barron plenty to think over and plan on the way back up the M1.
BRENTFORD: Lee; Logan, Dean, Legge, Bidwell, Saunders (Bean 86), Douglas, Diagouraga, McGinn, Alexander, Donaldson. Subs (not used): Eger, Grella, Weston, Oyeleke.
Booked: Donaldson.
Goals: McGinn 80, Alexander 85.
HARTLEPOOL UNITED: Flinders; Austin, Collins, Hartley, Horwood, Brown (Boyd 61), Liddle (Luscombe 87), Sweeney, Monkhouse, Murray (Solano 82), Poole. Subs (not used): Rafferty, Haslam.
Booked: Liddle, Hartley.
Goal: Collins 83.
Attendance: 6, 352. Referee: Carl Berry (Surrey).
