Two more join Strachan in extending stay

By Albatross
January 21 2004

Hartlepool United have announced that Dimitrious Konstantopoulos and Joel Porter have agreed extended deals with the club. Both have been on short-term deals until now, but Cooper has decided they're worthy of longer deals at Victoria Park

Hot on the heels of the extended contracts for Provett and Strachan comes the news that our two international imports have also agreed deals to continue on at Victoria Park.

In the case of Joel Porter, it's a move that has been widely expected, With Richrdson having left the club and Gabbiadini retired, we're looking less well endowed up front and Porter's form has been enough to make him the regular partner for Eifion Williams up front. While he has only scored twice, he's shown plenty of dogged determination and his cameos as a substitute at Oldham and Sunderland showed a decent level of skill - enough for some to suggest he's also an option on the left of midfield.

Konstantopoulos has not broken through into the first team yet due to the good form of Jim Provett; he has been a regular on the bench and for the reserves though. He's even acquired a nickname from the fans - rare for someone who's yet to play a competetive game - "Chewie", thanks to his luxuriant mane of hair. If he does get his chance, we'll have to hope that the former Greek u21 International proves to be more Wookie than Bungle....

It does though seem to signify the end for Tony Williams at Pools. After starting off as the number one keeper at the club this season, he's now very much in third place as far as the jersey is concerned. This may in part be because of his well-publicised comments about looking elsewhere if he wasn't getting first team football at Pools - but when it comes down to it some of his performances over the last two seasons have left much to be desired and two games played, six goals conceded is hardly a glowing advert for his skills.