By Albatross
July 28 2004

Hartlepool United are going about their business quietly for the most part - but as yet there's no sign that their business includes new signings. Ten days to go and counting until the start of the new season - it's been a long summer! While debate about new signings - or rather the lack of them - abounds, Pools have continued their programme of friendlies with a win over Berwick Rangers. Joel Porter was on target again, netting his third of pre-season and generally showing the sort of potential that may yet make him a real asset in the coming season.

Mickey Barron's injury woes are a concern for Cooper though, with the Pools Skipper still not able to take part in games. Although the talk earlier this week was of him still having a chance of being fit for the start of the season, unless he takes some part in Saturday's friendly with Carlisle at Brunton Park then I reckon he'll miss out. Could Darren Craddock be the player to benefit, as he was last season? With Jack Ross having filled in at right back recently, and Chris Westwood able to play there too, Cooper has some options.

The prices that the Cumbrians are charging for the game are, to be honest, more than a little steep - £13 for adults - and so I expect the Pools contingent to be a small one. A few may instead decide to take in next Tuesday's game at Whitby - though I expect Cooper to use some of the fringe players in that match. Indeed, with the new season just a few days away, we may be able to tell more about the shape of the team from who doesn't play....

There has been some encouraging news off the pitch, with the club having taken orders for more than 1400 shirts since the launch of the new kit. With the DVD and Video review of last season also available, the club shop may well find itself doing a very brisk trade.

The time is fast approaching for the Pools Online Preview of season 2004/5, and keep an eye out next week as our four part guide to the teams contesting Division 2 (I still can't think of it as "League 1" ) appears day by day. As usual, I'll be going through our opponents in Alphabetical Order with the exception of Pools - we will be in the last part (available Thursday) together with a summary of my predictions.

Talking of Predictions, the Pools online Prediction League is open for business, with the first two fixtures already available. So far everyone that's entered believes we're going to beat Bradford on the opening day - why not sign up and see if you can beat the rest? Entry is free, and the winner will get 50% of the entry fees, in other words nothing - except for the knowledge that you're the smartest Poolie out there. Just head for the link on the menu on the left, and you too could be displaying your expertise for all to see!