By Albatross
July 23 2003

Rumours are continuing to circulate that Richard Hope - and possibly Paul Robinson for that matter - may be signing for Hartlepool United. Hope looks the more likely to get a deal, but there's no definate news either way yet. Plus a look at where some ex-Poolies are going. While Hope and Robinson didn't go on the Dutch Tour, they have been training with the squad again this week and it's rumoured that Hope at least may be offered a deal; if the speculation is correct we may even sign him today (Wednesday), although so far there is nothing on the Official Site. The situation with both players is still uncertain, though with the number of strikers currently at the club Robinson would have to seriously impress in order to win a deal. We do need some cover in central defence though - especially if Cooper wants the flexibility to play 3-5-2 on occasion, as he did in Holland. With Westwood, Nelson and Barron the people used to playing there, you then very quickly reach the situation of having players such as Bass and Arnison filling in there - something they may have done for the reserves, but not the first team - or at least not with much success. Bass did play there against Rochdale and looked OK until he made a bad error for their third goal; but having lost or released three central defenders and signed just the one it is an area we need to look for cover in.

One player looking unlikely to be signing up though is Tommy Widdrington. The player Mike Newell released has been on trial at Oxford, and the reports indicate that Ian Atkins is a big fan; provided he can agree terms it looks almost certain that Widds will be playing at the Kassam Stadium next season.

Meanwhile, some more former Pools players have been on the move. James Sharp joined Falkirk last week, and impressed in a Stirlingshire Cup game with Dumbarton at the weekend. Denny Ingram meanwhile has swapped conference teams, joining Forest Green Rovers from Northwich Victoria. Ingram was in the Pools side the last time we were in Division 2.

Elsewhere in Division 2, Oldham are still desperately trying to ensure survival after a deal with a Scandanavian consortium fell through; and with players departing they look unlikely to repeat their playoff place of last season. Luton have gone into administration, with John Gurney vanishing from view, and Joe Kinnear has already said he'd like to return - casting a shadow over former Pools boss Mike Newell before he has even had a chance to see his team play a competetive game.