Pool boss pleased window has closed
Sep 2 2008 by Mark Douglas, The Journal
DANNY Wilson admits he is breathing a sigh of relief that he can concentrate on football now that the transfer window has slammed shut.
Wilson’s Hartlepool United play Leicester City in the first round of the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy tonight in a game that gives them a chance to build on Saturday’s encouraging 2-1 win over Peterborough United.
Striker James Brown is likely to lead the attack alongside weekend super-sub Richie Barker as Wilson eyes a money-spinning route to Wembley in the much-maligned competition.
Both strikers have been linked with moves away from Victoria Park over the last month but the club have managed to hang on to both until January at least.
Those were major pluses for Pool, although there were no new arrivals to add to a squad that, by Wilson’s own admission, is small.
The Hartlepool manager admits that he is no fan of the transfer window, and is delighted the focus is returning to football.
“As far as I’m concerned it is a good thing that it’s out of the way now. People’s expectations are unrealistic and I always get asked about it week after week,” he said.
“But the reality is that the window does not do us any favours. In an ideal world I would have liked to have brought in some new players before the deadline but we’ve got to be realistic about it and I’m glad that we managed to keep everyone we had.
“As I have said before, there is enough quality in this squad for us to compete at this level.”
Hartlepool have been handed the toughest possible draw in the trophy, facing a team with a 100 per cent league record since Nigel Pearson took over in the summer.
Although the trophy only really catches the attention of competing clubs in the latter stages when a trip to Wembley is on offer, Wilson insists it will be treated seriously by Pool.
To generate further interest in the game, Pool have cut the price of tickets and moved the kick off to 7pm to try and encourage more children through the turnstiles.
“The league is our priority obviously but this competition gives us a great opportunity to get to Wembley and to make some money in the latter stages. We’ll be taking it seriously and I fully intend to send out a full-strength squad.
“It’s going to be a tough game because Leicester are a very good side. It’s a nice test for us because we have them in the league in a few weeks and it gives us the psychological advantage if we beat them.”
Wilson also intends to give Alan Power an opportunity to impress in midfield.
