Although Hartlepool have already secured promotion to League One, Danny Wilson's side will be hoping to clinch the title when they travel to Rochdale this weekend. Last Friday's 1-1 draw against Notts County gave Walsall the chance to take over at the top of table on goal difference with a win against Bury, but the Saddlers fluffed their lines after suffering a shock home defeat at the hands of Bury. So, with just two games remaining, Pool are still three points ahead of their closest rivals and if they better Walsall's result against Wrexham on Saturday they will be crowned champions. Givemefootball's Mark Shail caught up with the versatile Ritchie Humphreys, who was named in the League Two Team of the Year at the PFA Awards last Sunday.
Q:CONGRATULATIONS ON BEING NAMED IN THE TEAM OF THE YEAR?
A:Thanks. It's the second time I've been named in the League Two Team of the Year, the first time was when we won promotion in 2002. To be named in that team five years ago was fantastic because it was only my second year at the club but this one is just as rewarding.
Q:AND IT'S A BIT DIFFERENT THIS TIME BECAUSE YOU'VE BEEN PLAYING AS A FULL BACK THIS SEASON, HAVEN'T YOU?
A:Yes, it's a different role but I'm enjoying it. I started off my career as a centre forward and then I moved to midfield but this is my first year playing at full back. To be voted by the players in the Team of the Year in what is a new role is a big thrill for me.
Q:HOW ARE YOU ENJOYING YOUR NEW ROLE?
A:We're in the game to learn and it's a new experience for me. But listening to Alex Ferguson tonight, the ultimate manager, he says that you never stop learning and that's certainly the case with me. For the players to vote for me as the best left back in the league when there are so many quality, established left backs around is something I can't put into words. It's the ultimate accolade.
Q:IT'S BEEN A GREAT SEASON FOR HARTLEPOOL, HASN'T IT?
A:It's been a strange couple of years for us. Two years ago we came so close to winning promotion to the Championship but then last season we really struggled and it was devastating to be relegated. But to come back at the first time of asking and win promotion is great.
Q:THE SEASON DIDN'T START THAT WELL FOR HARTLEPOOL, HOW DID YOU MANAGE TO TURN THINGS AROUND?
A:We started off playing very well actually but in the first three or four games we missed a string of penalties – I was the culprit in the first match of the campaign, and it cost us. So we were playing well without getting the results. Then, during September, while I was out on loan at Port Vale, the lads had a very productive month and won every game. Since November 4 we've lost just one match and the majority of those games have been wins – and that's promotion form.
Q:WAS THERE A TIME EARLY IN THE SEASON WHEN YOU THOUGHT THE CHANCE OF AUTOMATIC PROMOTION HAD GONE?
A:Without shouting it off to the press, we started the season aiming for promotion but around November time were around 16th in the table on 23 points so we knew it would be difficult. But we managed to go on an unbelievable run and we're now on 88 points so that show what is possible.
Q:WERE YOU DISAPPOINTED WITH LAST FRIDAY'S 1-1 DRAW AGAINST NOTTS COUNTY?
A:We were disappointed we didn't win the game especially having dominated the first half an hour. But fair play to Notts County, they want to get in the play-offs and they had a lot to play for. But Walsall lost at home to Bury on Saturday so we're still three points clear with two games left so it's in our hands.
Q:HOW IMPORTANT IS IT TO WIN THE TITLE?
A:Well, personally, I've never won anything. I've won two divisional Team of the Year awards but football is about teams and the spirit we've had at the club over the last six years is remarkable. During that time I've seen one of my teammates get together with a girl, get married and have children and people don't realise the bond you form with your colleagues. So in that respect we're a bit like a family and to win the title with my friends and teammates would be magnificent.
