Right Angles - who should we play there?

By Albatross
November 28 2002

After a short break, Albatross returns to look at the situation facing Pools and Mike Newell on the right hand side. With Clarke and Arnison failing to impress in midfield, where will Pools look next?

Two games into Mike Newell's reign at the Vic, and already he's seen the two sides of Pools' nature. A battling win at Orient in the League is followed by what should be a straightforward win over Southend in the cup, only to see Pools sit back on a one goal lead and then get caught out not once but twice in the last five minutes.

For all the talk of Anthony Williams needing competition (and I personally think he does), the more immediate issue is the right flank. Mickey Barron may be doing a job for us at right back, but he's generally far from outstanding there; the other alternatives there are Paul Arnison - who after a good game against Bristol Rovers may have considered himself unfortunate to be dropped following the York game - and Jon Bass, who has failed to figure for the first team at all this season after a disasterous spell last year.

Moving on to the right side of midfield, we come to an area that has been a problem for some time - as shown by the loan signing of Coppinger to play there last season. Darrell Clarke has been playing there for most of the season, but hasn't really offered too much - he looks far more effective when he gets the chance to play in the centre. Arno filled in there against Southend, but also failed to impress; and the other person who has been given a try is Steven Istead, who has impressed in a couple of his sub appearances but at 16 needs to be brought through gradually if we want to see the best of him. On the other hand, an exceptional performance for the reserves this week may make the case for him to be given his chance from the start irresistable.

When we've gone with 5-3-2, Clarke has proved to be out of his depth at Wingback - he was awful at Shrewsbury - while Arno has proved to be solid if unspectacular.

Will Newell therefore be looking for someone to play on that right side? Rumours have surfaced - admittedly not very strong ones - that Pools may be looking to take Lee Hodges on loan from Rochdale. The former Scunny Midfielder only signed on at Spotland over the summer, but has not fitted in well at Dale, and despite having signed a two year deal may well be available on a free or at least for a nominal sum. He's recently been on trial at Colchester but failed to get a deal there, and the Nationwide website claimed that Newell is an admirer of Hodges.

Whether it would be a good move is open to question. Hodges can play wide right, and has made the PFA Division 3 Team a couple of times; but that's not the only track record he's gaining. He left Scunthorpe after a series of disputes with Brian Laws, and reputedly it all started to go wrong when Peter Beagrie arrived at Glanford Park; many Iron fans were not too bothered when he left the club; and now after less than 6 months at Rochdale the player who for many was a favourite for best signing of the season in the third division is looking to move on after making only a handful of first team appearances.

Signing a player like Hodges is a bit of a gamble it seems; he's undoubtedly got talent, and could fill the gap we have - but he also brings along plenty of baggage, and if he has a falling-out with the manager and/or players he may prove a liability.

There is one player though who might be worth a try on the right side. He's spent a large part of his career on the wing, although more recently has found success in the middle; has plenty of experience; and he won't cost the club an extra penny. I'm talking about Paul Stephenson.

Stepho has been out of favour this season, and missed some reserve games for personal reasons; but with a new manager at the helm he may feel his slate has been wiped clean. No doubt he'd prefer to be playing in the middle, but if he's prepared to play on the right he could be the answer. Whether he's up to it - and up for it - we can only wait and see, but given the current issues we have on the flank you feel he has to be worth a go.

There's a new vote on this issue, so have your say!