DANNY Wilson and Neale Cooper have both enjoyed success in charge of Hartlepool United, but while one flies forward in his new job, the other saw how far he has to go to match his previous achievements.

Cooper took Pool to the play-offs in 2004 and 2005, while Wilson got them promoted in 2007.

Cooper was last week put back in charge of Pool, Wilson was appointed Sheffield United boss last summer and his side steamrollered his old club at the weekend to make it eight successive wins and move second in League One.

Pool’s new boss allowed Micky Barron to pick the team and run the show at Bramall Lane as he took the chance to see his new players in action for the fifth time since he left the club in 2005. They were second best throughout and, with his first real game in charge to come this afternoon, Cooper has at least witnessed what the best in the division are all about.

Pool meet Scunthorpe at Victoria Park today, desperate to end a losing run of eight successive home games.

In appointing Cooper, Pool hope for a welcome and much-needed lift. His personality and bubbly outlook should ensure it and Barron, who will revert to first-team coach after a spell in caretaker control is looking forward to working with Cooper again.

Barron said: “This was my last game, definitely. I picked the team and take the responsibility. We were all disappointed first-half and Neale thought we were a bit easy and conceded poor goals.

“Second-half we asked them to do more and players showed him they can play and the spirit has give him something to think about. I’ve known Neale a long time and it’s different as a player looking at him as a manager, but working alongside him as coach it’s different type of relationship.”