Ten things...
Hartlepool
1 St Hilda was trying to arrange a match against the Danes in those Dark Ages but visiting hordes ran amok. Supposedly it started away goals count double in future international club competition.
2 The Crusaders sailed from Hartlepool on another foreign excursion, in a very early example of World Cup qualifying play-offs versus middle-east nations.
3 West Hartlepool was built next to the old port in Victorian times and footy started there with an amateur side. In 1908 they 'merged' with ancient neighbours as Hartlepools United. Thus introducing Bogof to punters in the north-east.
4 Part of the Victoria Ground got bombed by Zeppelin airships in WW1, prompting hatred not assuaged until '1966 and all that' brought back bratwurst shapes to England.
5 There was no such thing as relegation to the Conference from div3 after WW1, so they kept getting re-elected in lieu. For that reason they've never been out of the Football League in 100 years - truly amazing.
6 Pools were obviously in the northern division after WW2 and once just missed out on promotion because only champions went up. So was it reciprocal rough justice that left 'em without silverware for nearly a century?
7 Brian Clough didn't take Hartlepools all the way but set in motion a side that could manage a first ever promotion when he left. That made him a bighead by reputation rather than results.
8 In 1967 Hartlepool became a single town and of course when Clough departed soon slumped into div4. Meanwhile He and Taylor were actually turning Derby County into champions big time - typical!
9 With the area generally suffering a long post industrial decline, it was years before Cyril Knowles emerged to bring some success once more. He died of cancer and in unfortunate circumstances receipts from his testimonial were sorrowfully eaten up by invasive club finances.
10 Oil and gas had previously been discovered in the north seas and with economic regeneration the old port now had a brand new modern marina, pukka facilities and a team with fossil fuel backing. Only time would tell when that would run out.
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