SAM Collins has revealed an arm around the shoulder of Gary Liddle from the captain went a long way to securing Hartlepool United’s League One status.

The central defenders were solid in Saturday’s draw at Brentford, a result that kept Pools out of the drop zone.

But it came in trying circumstances, after the club had three points taken off their tally two days before the game.

That was down to Liddle appearing in the win over Brighton when he was suspended.

After attending hearings in Preston and London last week, Liddle’s schedule ahead of the final game was interrupted.

But Collins admits a show of unity within the camp went a long way.

“We travelled down on Friday and the training session, after what we went through on Thursday, was brilliant,’’ he revealed.

“They are a fantastic bunch of lads, every single one of them no-one shies away from their responsibilities. We had a fight on our hands and everyone put a show on it.

“Lidds was very down on Friday, he’s had a tough week.

He’s been all over the place and not trained much.

“He was quiet and I pulled him to one side to tell him all the lads were behind him all the way. I told him to put another performance in like he had done all season, and he did.

“He’s been fantastic all season in a new position for him.’’ And Collins, out of contract this summer, was quick to heap praise on boss Chris Turner for his efforts over a testing period.

“He has done a fantastic job and as a group of lads we want to say thank you,’’ he said.

“I had a few problems preseason when we were in Holland and I had to come home and he’s been fantastic.

“I’m sure if you were to go round the lads they would say the same thing. We wanted to do it for the manager, I’ve wanted to say it for a few weeks, but this is the right time to say it.

“Chris has been brilliant with every single player at the club, he’s looked after us all and has been great for me at times. ‘’