Wadsworth did a fine job of steadying the ship. The squad had just avoided relegation in the previous season, but rarely looked like getting involved in another battle under Wadsworth`s canny stewardship. Indeed, with just ten games remaining the team were as high as eighth in the League One table, though in truth the top six always looked too many points in front. Pools faded over the run in and finished 16th but most fans were happy to see Wadsworth handed another contract in the summer of 2011.
That summer was a hive of activity as the club introduced a season ticket offer that eventually saw adults paying just £100 for the 2011/12 league season. A lot of the excess players in what had been a large squad were released, with Wadsworth making just a few signings, the most notable of which was former Newcastle United and Peru star Nobby Solano. With a new spirit of optimism in the town Pools started the season in fine form, and sat in third place in the league table after a club record nine-game unbeaten start. From that point on things took a turn for the worse. The first defeat, at home to Sheffield Wednesday, triggered a dismal run of home form. Wadsworth`s side lost seven consecutive matches at the Vic, scoring just once. The away form was still holding up nicely but, with attendances beginning to drop despite many of the supporters already having paid for their matches up front, the board decided to act; Mick Wadsworth was relieved of his duties on 6th December 2011.