Gloom Descends

The gloom which descended on Victoria Park last night could last a long time. Boro strolled to a 2-0 friendly win after a power cut meant  the second half was played in increasing darkness. Sadly, it couldn't hide our lack of spark ...

The bright spots came from the pre-game contract signings of Luke James and Michael Duckworth - two players who will give everything for the cause.

Second-half goals from subs Adam Reach and Bradley Fewster were enough to beat a shot shy Pools.

Colin Cooper is on  record as saying he's finding it difficult to attract players, and no doubt that's why he's relying on old mates and lads in their mid-30s - like Jonathan Greening who didn't do much against Boro.

A few years ago Pools could attract players because the club had a reputation for being very well run and for treating players well. That no longer appears to be  the case and it seems that rumours that the wage bill was slashed during the summer are correct.

Why else would a player like Tony Sweeney, who has been a one-club man, leave for another Division Two club when he was due a testimonial? He must have been offered a contract he just couldn't accept.

IOR have been the most professional owners of Hartlepool United and we have enjoyed our best times under their stewardship. Ken Hodcroft runs a tight ship, and while so many clubs stumble and struggle to meet even their Inland Revenue payements we don't.

We have to be extremely grateful, and there will be solid business reasons why the playing budget has been cut.

But the feeling of anticipation we are supposed to feel at the start of a new season just isn't there. As things stand we all know this squad isn't strong enough and it looks like we are not going to be able to attract any nbew players who can greatly improve things.

So let's bring on the youngsters and hope a couple of them come good. Really good.