Same Again

Don't let the heatwave fool you - the footy season is almost here. Most clubs have got their squads sorted by now and it looks like in Pools' case it will be a host of familiar faces who take to the pitch at Rochdale.

Speedy Jack Compton is the only notable close season addition, while the books have been balanced with the departure of Sir Ritchie and Evan Horwood.

The fact that Scott Flinders did not figure in Holland, while replacement goalie Andy Rafferty is being talked up, indicates he will be on his way soon.

Hopefully, Wednesday will take Stevie Howard off our hands to provide a massive saving on the wages bill and that may create an opportunity to bring in another forward.

If not we should have enough in our tanks to achieve the Bookies' prediction of ninth place.  Our form in the back half of last season would have seen us comfortably in the top half if we hadn't had such a disastrous start.

If Cooper and Hignett can get the best out of key players such as Neil Austin and Anthony Sweeney we may just do even better. Neither played to their potential last season and nor did Jonathan Franks or the enigmatic Simon Walton on any consistent basis.

If we can increase our scoring ratio there is no reason why we can't be up there competing for a quick return to League One.