RUSHDEN and Diamonds have sprung a suprise ahead of Hartlepool United's vital trip to Nene Park tomorrow.

The Diamonds yesterday appointed a new manager to try and stave off relegation.

Ernie Tippett, a former Wimbledon reserve team manager, has been handed the task of keeping the club in Division Two.

Tomorrow's game is an important one for both sides - a win for Pool could see a play-off place secured, while Diamonds need the points to stay out of the drop zone.

And Pool will be keen to seek some solace for missing out on the Division Three title at Nene Park on the final day of last season by doing their best to make sure both teams head in the opposite direction.

Unknown Tippett takes over from caretaker player-boss Barry Hunter.

Pool are seeking a fifth successive victory, a run which has coincided with the introductions of Darren Craddock, Tony Sweeney and Adam Boyd.

The young trio have impressed since being put in the first-team picture and, for Ritchie Humphreys, keeping the young guns in check is a pleasure.

Humphreys has taken the captain's armband with Micky Barron sidelined, and admits it's a team affair at Victoria Park.

He said: "I'm enjoying the captaincy. Obviously Micky is back in the frame now and is on the bench, but it's good fun.

"But out on the pitch, there's a few of us - Tinks, Westy and Darrell - who have played a few games and help each other.

"We've got a good blend of kids coming through and they have done really well. We've got to keep everyone going and keep the young lads on their toes.

"Sweeney and Crads have been tremendous. Sweens is the sort of player you hate playing against because he is at you all the time.

"And with Boydy coming back, we have a bit of a new look.

"His story is unbelievable, but we all know at the club how much ability he has.

"Whenever he has had a run in the team and had a run of games, he has scored goals. What he is doing now is maintaining a performance for 90 minutes."

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