Time at Pools 'really good' but 'difficult'

Anthony Mancini has been reflecting on his time at Hartlepool United after sealing a move to National League rivals Rochdale on Wednesday.

- Robbie Stelling

The Frenchman, who was a hugely popular figure at Victoria Park, became Dale manager Jimmy McNulty's fourth summer signing.

The 24-year-old's arrival was swiftly followed by the signing of Morecambe's David Tutonda, who made 42 League Two appearances last term.

Mancini will be joined in Greater Manchester by prolific Pools frontman Mani Dieseruvwe.

The 30-year-old, who scored 43 goals in 89 games during two impressive years at Victoria Park, was offered a new deal by Pools but opted to move to Greater Manchester to join a Dale side who are expected to challenge for promotion next season having been beaten in the playoffs last term.

In response, Pools have signed experienced frontman Danny Johnson from League Two Walsall while they have also been linked with Barnet man Jermaine Francis, who impressed on loan at Braintree last season.

Speaking to Rochdale's official club website, Mancini described his two years at Pools as both "really good" and "difficult". That is probably a fair summary of the attacker's time at Victoria Park. When he was fit and available, he ranked among the most exciting creative players in the National League; however, injuries plagued large parts of his spell and hampered his progress, leading to frustration among some fans.