By Stonnall_Saddler
June 3 2005

The Dudley based Hartlepool defender Chris Westwood, whose sending off at Cardiff arguably cost them promotion, is said to be considering a move back to the Midlands with Walsall.

The Former Wolves trainee has made over 200 appearances for Pool, while also developing a reputation for being a scorer of important goals.

Message board rumours and Press Reports have now been circulating for sometime.

Signing a player of his calibre would get the thumbs up from most Walsall fans. A player like Westwood would create yet more competition for Bennett, Roper, Gerrard and Dann - While also guarding against the dangers of burnout - a problem that Julian Bennett suffered from last season.

His relatively successful spell at Hartlepool seems to suggest that he has all the attributes that would allow him to make a positive impact at the Bescot Stadium.

Following the arrivals of Vaughan, Fox and Gerrard - Why is Merse chasing another defender? The impending transfer window could explain why this avenue is being explored, but would five central defenders in such a small squad be practical?