SCOTT FLINDERS, the Hartlepool United goalkeeper, had a bit of a change to cope with around the turn of the year – but there’s little doubt he has come through it flying.

His man of the match display in last weekend’s win at Yeovil was his eighth clean sheet in 15 games.

Since shipping five at Wycombe last month, Flinders has only conceded four times in seven games.

This comes after not only had to contend with a change of manager at Victoria Park when Mick Wadsworth was replaced by Neale Cooper, but also the loss of his mentor.

Gary Walsh left his role at Pools’ goalkeeping coach to take up a spot with Hull City.

He was replaced by Andy Collett and Flinders has nothing but positive words to say about both coaches.

“Me and Walshy got on terrifically, not just in football, but away from football as well,’’ he admitted.

“In football, he has so much experience to learn from. As a player he had been at the very top of the game.

“Since Colly has come in, there’s been a different outlook for me and we get on.

“I think he’s improving my game even more.

“Someone else coming in sees different aspects of your game and sees things to work on and I think he’s done that."

Collett leads Flinders and Andy Rafferty in their specialist work on the training ground each day and the No 1 said: “We work on things all the week and we work hard as a unit. The goalkeepers train differently to the rest of the team and we are a close unit.

“I think you have to be strong and mentally you have to be stronger than an outfield player.

“You have to make saves and make decisions which can keep the lads in a game, some of the lads joke about the old goalkeeper’s union, but that’s part and parcel of being a goalie.

“We all have our own group and methods and we get on with it.’’ Cooper was quick to add his praise to the keepers at the club and said: “We haven’t been conceding and a lot of that is down to Scott.

“He’s got a chance to go big time. He works so hard along with Andy Rafferty and Andy Collett.”