By Albatross
January 30 2003

It's the end of January, and for some teams the injuries are piling up. However for Hartlepool United it's looking like the opposite. And Smith and Watson may be coming back at just the right time with a couple of vital suspensions around the corner.... Pools have received a double boost this week with the news that both Paul Smith and Gordon Watson are well on the way back to first team action. Both took part in the Reserves' 4-2 win at Darlington last night, Watson notching twice in the process and playing the full 90 minutes.

Watson is coming back at just the right time for Pools. There's every chance he'll be on the bench for the game against Torquay, and with Eifion Williams suspended for the Exeter game the following week after picking up his fifth yellow card against Cambridge, Flash is the ideal replacement - if he's ready. Newell may want to see him get another reserve game under his belt, possibly the game against Grimsby next Wednesday, before plunging him back into action.

While Pools have done remarkably well without Flash, the forward line has at times looked a little lacking in depth. Eifion has come into his own and shown us what a tremendous signing he is, but when it comes down to it his partners up front have not been up to the high standards of Watson. Boyd came in and did well initially, but then fell out of favour: question marks about his attitude still haven't been resolved. Henderson hasn't had many opportunities, and may well leave when his contract runs out. Richardson has shown signs of promise, but has games where he struggles to get into the match. Easter is almost the forgotten man up front - he scored last night, but apparently played much of the game wide on the right as Henderson and Watson were the starting partnership. It all adds up to the fact that a fit Watson will undoubtedly add to an already impressive team.

Paul Smith's return to the first team may come sooner - though how long it may last is uncertain. Mark Tinkler will miss the Torquay match through suspension, and if Smith is ready then he could well start on the left with Humphreys moving inside. Once Tinks is back though, Mike Newell will be faced with something of a dilemma: Humphreys has been exceptional since moving out to the flank, and with Widdrington and Tinkler performing creditably in the middle the temptation must be to revert to that lineup as soon as possible. Smith hasn't looked the same player this season as he did last, and must surely know that only a performance of real quality will see him retain his spot - assuming he's selected in the first place. This may be the motivation he needs - let's hope so!

John Cogger came on as a sub last night to make his second appearance of his trial period from Man Utd. None of the reports give him much of a mention, so there's no news yet on whether we may take him on a longer term deal. He'd probably be available free or for a nominal fee, but should we sign him I wouldn't expect to see him starting in the first team - he's more likely one for the future. Those who remember the likes of Paul Wratten and David Clegg will also know not to get carried away about signing a promising youngster from a big club.

No news yet on Manager of the Month; all games in January have now been played though, and Newell is definately top on league form. It's a strange month though, as postponements and cup games mean that Bournemouth have played just once in Div3, while Pools and a number of others have played 5 - with other teams having played 2, 3 or 4 games. Surely Pools can't be denied this time - we're top of the form table no matter which measure you care to use. As for the curse - well, Oxford's win on Tuesday lifted them to third and gave them the 6th best record for the month - if that's a curse, then.....