MARTIN Scott threw his hat in to the ring after Hartlepool's draw on Saturday by admitting he wants the manager's job.

Scott was put in temporary charge of Pool's visit to Bournemouth at the weekend after the club's controversial decision to sack Neale Cooper.

But after having had a taste of success in full control of team affairs, Scott confessed he wants to quench his thirst further by taking the job on a permanent basis.

Chris Turner has been strongly tipped to return to the club in the summer but should Pool win promotion through the play-offs the chairman and his board of directors would find it difficult to hand the job to anyone else but Scott.

Pool's caretaker boss made several crucial tactical changes during the club's final game of the season and got every single one right. And after two years as Cooper's assistant, the former Sunderland defender believes his time has now come to step up to the next level.

"I'm ready for it," insisted Scott. "I feel I've done my apprenticeship at youth level, reserve level, assistant and now caretaker manager.

"As Stuart Pearce said at Manchester City, you've got to come out if you want it and say I want the job. And I know the players will play for me."

There is no doubt Pool's supporters are still fond of their former boss, but now he has gone the club has to look forward and they could do worse than appoint from within.

Installing Scott as manager would keep some continuity and stability at the club and would prove popular with both players and supporters.

Scott was quick to pay tribute to the club's fanatical fans who made trip south. He also admitted he was relieved his side finally delivered the right result for them after last week's disappointing reversal against Walsall had left a bitter taste in his mouth.

He said: "I didn't want the season to finish like it did last week. I said last week the season ended on a bad note (at Victoria Park).

"We didn't perform against Walsall. The fans didn't thank the players after the game and the players didn't thank the supporters.

"It was wrong because the players appreciate what it costs to watch football and all the time and money they spend.

"On Saturday it showed just what a great following we've got and what a great set of supporters we have.

"There were 800 fans, who made the six and-a-half hour journey, and I bet they enjoyed Saturday night.

"I also want to thank all the people back in Hartlepool and say that (the result) is for them they've been tremendous.

"It was also for Neale because he has put a lot of work in over the last two years, and the chairman and IOR have put a lot of work in over the last seven years.

"It's a great achievement for the club to get in the play-offs again."

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