Papers differ on whether Pools will sign Gamble

The two newspapers that cover Hartlepool United more than all the rest have had a difference of opinion over whether Cork City midfield player Joe Gamble has agreed to sign for the club when the transfer window opens in January. And just to make sure the situation remains confused, the club are – as usual – saying nowt.

Meanwhile, the fans are left wondering who to believe.
The Northern Echo reported this morning (Wednesday) that after a successful trial last week, Gamble had agreed terms and would sign for Pools on a free once the window opens.
He is valued at more than £100,000, but can sign for nothing because hard-up Cork have missed a deadline for paying the wages of their players, including Gamble.
The Hartlepool Mail responded to the Echo story by saying that Gamble has NOT agreed terms, adding that talks are still at an early stage and no move is even close to being agreed.
It describes the report that a deal has been agreed as speculation … then speculates that it hasn’t been agreed.

The one thing both reports have in common is a total absence of quotes from Pools boss Chris Turner or Gamble to back up the claims they are making, so all we can assume is that both stories are sheer speculation.

Well, well, well … what a surprise. One of them will be right, of course, but we’ll have to wait and see which one and whether Gamble will be joining former Cork team-mate Denis Behan (right) at Pools.

It’s also speculation that Turner is keeping an eye on another ex-Cork player, Colin Healy, who chose to join Ipswich during the summer but has not earned a regular first team place at Portman Road.

It’s believed he will be available on loan, and it’s doubtful if Turner would be willing or able to sign both.