Pete Wild calls for 'a complete refurb' at Hartlepool United

Wild was speaking 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 the club's entire history, they have now failed to do so in each of the last four seasons - by National League North side Marine on Saturday.

For all Wild, who made his name as a coach after overseeing Oldham Athletic's memorable FA Cup upset against Premier League Fulham in 2019, talked of his respect and reverence for England's oldest and most historic competition in the week, Pools produced a performance that was sluggish, ponderous and lacking quality.