By Albatross
January 29 2004

Hartlepool United have announced another new signing from Scotland - this time it's Hugh Robertson, an experienced left-sided player from Cooper's former club Ross County. Primarily a defender, but with other strings to his bow, he joins just before the international transfer window closes. Reports coming out of Scotland - and a rumour posted by Elvis Costello's Glasses on the HUFC2003 board - said that Robertson was joining the club, and this has now been confirmed officially by Pools.

Hugh "Shuggie" Robertson has been a regular for Ross County since being signed by Cooper for them almost exactly three years ago. After signing for Aberdeen at the age of 18, he left for Dundee early in 1997 but failed to become a regular for either club. While at Dundee he had spells out on loan at Brechin, Inverness Caledonian Thistle, and Ayr prior to signing up at the other Victoria Park.

Shuggie has been pretty much an ever-present since, playing 120 times and becoming a firm favourite with the fans at Ross. He's impressed them a great deal this season, and has shown his versatility by moving into midfield and even playing as a striker on occasion. With a hard shot and a willingness to have a go from long range - including free kicks - he sounds a little reminiscent of a certain Rob McKinnon. He's managed 12 goals for Ross, but only one this season.

Robertson will be 29 in March, meaning that he's also someone with plenty of experience. Given that left back seems to move between two youth teamers in Brackstone and Robson, it's a position that we've been badly in need of a more senior player - even if only to give the two of them a break.

With Robertson coming in though it does increasingly look like Mark Robinson is approaching the end of his time at the club. Having hardly featured this season and now being out on loan at Spennymoor, it looks to be a safe bet that Robbo won't be offered a new contract when his current deal expires in the summer.

In other news, Pools remain hopeful of Saturday's game against Luton going ahead after today's efforts at clearing snow from the pitch; Paul Arnison's move to Carlisle has apparently NOT gone ahead yet, although Pools have agreed a deal with Carlisle; and Boston are still chasing Adam Boyd, and yesterday remained hopeful of signing him in time for the weekend.