Pool are set to lose their Nelson touch
Jun 16 2009 by Mark Douglas, The Journal
Pool’s director of sport may now opt to plunder the loan market to fill the void left by Nelson, with young Sunderland trio Niall McArdle, Michael Liddle and Michael Kay all available on a temporary basis. But it is not a priority because he has already signed Peter Hartley from the Black Cats and former Darlington defender Neil Austin this summer.
Right-back Austin is moving between two local rivals and understands that there will be rancour because of his decision to leave the cash-strapped Quakers.
“Darlington will always have a place in my heart and I’ll keep a check on their results. But I’m a Hartlepool player now and can’t wait for pre-season to come around,” he said.
“The gaffer sold the club to me. He told me Hartlepool was a well supported club with a good ground and with excellent training facilities.”
Although Turner is currently on holiday, he is keen to make all of his additions before the squad comes back for pre-season training on July 1. As well as the defensive duo of Hartley and Austin, Pool have signed Stockport winger Leon McSweeney and former favourite Adam Boyd. He is also hopeful of bringing in another former Pool star, goalkeeper Dimi Konstantopoulos, to fill that vacancy but has ruled out moves for Sunderland striker Roy O’Donovan and Norway midfielder Magne Hoseth.
Meanwhile, Darlington may face a battle for the services of Dean Windass after Port Vale’s new boss Micky Adams claimed the veteran striker was interested in becoming his number two.
Windass agreed to serve as Colin Todd’s assistant before the new Quakers manager left for a holiday a fortnight ago but with Darlington still in administration, nothing has been signed and sealed yet. And that has prompted Adams to make his move.
“He’s interested, but the travelling that’s involved might rule him out. But we won’t close the door on that,” the new Port Vale manager said yesterday.
The Quakers are expected to complete the signings of Carlisle pair Jeff Smith and Chris Lumsdon when they exit administration.
