Pete Wild admits turning things around at Hartlepool United is 'double the challenge I thought it was'

Wild was speaking to The Monkey's Uncle after Pools were ignominiously dumped out of the FA Cup at the fourth qualifying round stage - having never previously failed to reach the first round proper in their entire history, Pools have now failed to do so in each of the last four seasons - by National League North side Marine on Saturday.

For all Wild was at pains to talk up the significance of England's oldest and most historic cup competition in the week, Pools were outfought by a Marine side who simply wanted it more than their hosts and were fully deserving of the result.