Pool, for the first time all season, looked a relegation outfit.

Whether it was just a one-off (as we sincerely hope) or a sign of things to come will become apparent in the weeks and months ahead.

But from the very first moments of this contest it seemed as if it would be one of those days.

The atmosphere in the ground was flat (and who can blame supporters who have witnessed only four home wins all season?) and Pool's players didn't really appear to get going.

Neither did Watford in a first half which was low on just about everything, but mainly quality.

But in the second half the visitors managed to raise their game and the Seasiders couldn't respond.

For 10 minutes they threatened, with substitutes Brett Ormerod and – in particular – Graeme Owens looking lively and adding much-needed attacking impetus.

But it didn't last long enough and the stuffing was finally knocked out of what was already a pretty wounded team when Tamas Priskin – a handful all afternoon – scored a quite brilliant second goal.

A match to forget – now let's hope it doesn't end up a season to forget.

What worries me is that if Pool do go down, it could be another 29 years before they come back up – and that is the last thing anyone wants.

The bottom line is that it is time to get the management situation sorted out. It isn't fair on the players, or on Tony Parkes and Steve Thompson.

When I say sorted out I don't mean give Parkes and Thompson the boot.

What I mean is either back them and put them in charge for the remainder of the season or replace them with someone else.

Either way it removes the air of uncertainty that is showing signs of crippling the club.

Parkes and Thomspon are operating with one hand tied behind their backs.

They had very little, if any, money to use in the January transfer window and it must be hard for them to fully stamp their authority on things with their position still not fully resolved.

Karl Oyston should act. But whether he will or not, remains to be seen.