Hartlepool United would like to make public their gratitude to Derby County after our weekend FA Cup visitors gave up their share of Saturday’s gate receipts.
On Monday morning we were contacted by County officials to inform us that The Rams would not be seeking to claim their 45% share of ticket sales from the fixture.
Jake Gray put Pools ahead in spectacular fashion in the game before a quick-fire equaliser from Jacob Butterfield was followed-up with a Darren Bent winner five minutes from time.
“It’s a wonderful gesture from Derby but not completely surprising because I knew what a great club they were already,” said Chief Executive Russ Green.
“In a day when clubs at the higher level of the game are often accused of greed it’s refreshing to see Derby showing that they are certainly not motivated by money.
“There are good people running the club there and I am pretty certain they’re going to go on and win promotion to the Premier League this season.
“I would like to thank them sincerely for their generosity and wish them all the very best for the rest of the season.”
Chairman Gary Coxall also expressed his thanks to Derby when he took to Twitter and commented: “What an outstanding gesture from @dcfcofficial. A club with real, genuine class.”
Monday evening’s FA Cup draw handed County a home tie in the next round of the FA Cup with top flight giants Manchester United set to visit The iPro Stadium at the end of the month.