HARTLEPOOL UNITED chairman Ken Hodcroft has apologised to the club's fans after relegation to League Two.

Since taking over in September 1997, Hodcroft and owners IOR Ltd have enjoyed five play-off campaigns and a promotion.

This season's struggle brought the third relegation in Pool's history. It also means that they returned to the bottom division after three seasons in League One - the same tally they managed after promotion in 1991.

And, in a frank column in Saturday's match programme, Hodcroft said: "Since the first year IOR took over the Club in 1997 we have not had such a dreadful sequence of events.

"There are many reasons and excuses that IOR, the Club and you the fans can give, but the ultimate responsibility lies with myself and for our current league position I apologise.

"IOR have always worked in the best interests of the Club and town and all our decisions are based on this, no matter how controversial they may be.

"The owners allowed the signing of a number of new players last summer, which resulted in the retention of the largest squad in HUFC's recent history with the aim to help the club move forward again.

"Full support for the players and management was given to help achieve everyone's goals of reaching the playoffs (again) or even automatic promotion.

"Despite this, we failed to have the ability to be a force to be reckoned with in League One.''

The chairman, who will be appointing his sixth manager this summer, added: "This is not an acceptable end to the season. However, there are no quick solutions to the various issues that have caused the halt in our successful ownership of the Club.

"We will review all aspects of this season and attempt to find the best way forward in the coming months.

"Once again I apologise whole-heartedly for the league position we find ourselves in but wish you a more enjoyable World Cup summer.''

* The full article can be read on line at www.hartlepoolunited.co.uk

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