Turner ready to call in the big lad for Walsall game

In an admission that it’s not easy trying to play your way to success in League One, Hartlepool are set to give a debut to giant striker Armann Bjornsson in Saturday’s home game against Walsall. Still looking for their first home win of the season, Pools are expected to give the 6ft 5in Iceland international a chance to cause chaos in the Walsall defence.

Manager Chris Turner says that throwing balls into the area like Colchester did last weekend is an effective way to get League One results, but he won't need to be reminded that doing it when the forwards aren’t winning much in the air is a waste of effort.
That’s a weakness Pools have had on and off for some time – crossing high into the area for forwards who are dwarfed by their markers.
Pools have started the season trying to play to their strengths on the deck, where the likes of James Brown, Denis Behan and the under-used Adam Boyd clearly have the beatings of most opposing defences.
But the midfield hasn’t been too successful so far, and that means the supply of quality ball on the floor has not been as good as it needs to be … that’s why Turner is considering a switch to a more direct approach.
Whether giving the big man his chance up front will also mean Turner changes the midfield remains to be seen. Antony Sweeney has not been at his best this season, but the important roles will fall to the wide men if crosses are required by Bjornsson.
Andy Monkhouse and Leon McSweeney haven’t done badly so far – they have a chance to do a lot better if Bjornsson is in the side, though Turner could decide to play Boyd wide on the right as he has so often in the past.
Whatever team he plays though, Turner knows that a win is vital after taking just one point from four League One home games. Anything less than a win would mean Pools have a bit of a crisis on their hands, and it’s too early in the season for that.