Hartlepool chief’s morbid metaphor

HARTLEPOOL United chairman Ken Hodcroft reacted to the relegation of John Hughes’ League One charges with a bizarre Margaret Thatcher-themed statement on the day of the former Prime Minister’s funeral. Hodcroft said: “Despite everyone having different opinions on Lady Thatcher’s funeral plans, I am sure you will all agree that today is also Hartlepool’s League One funeral.

“The demise was confirmed by Oldham’s win against Yeovil [on Tuesday] – Hartlepool finally moved into the critical ward on 19 March [when they lost 3-0 to Oldham] after months of observation, finally contracting the ‘Oldham disease’ that fateful night?”