By Albatross
August 9 2004

Hartlepool United haven't got long to bask in their victory at the weekend - Tranmere tomorrow night is the next test. Meanwhile, Adam Boyd seems to be acquiring his own Scout Troupe with four clubs casting an eye over him at the weekend. So it's a winning start for Pools, and the nascent League table shows us in the same position as we finished in last season - sixth. It's too early to read much into the positions though, unless you happen to be a disgruntled Sheffield Wednesday fan that wants to get rid of the manager, board and possibly Club's Whippet.

There were a number of positives from Pools point of view, with Ross looking comfortable in the side, Betsy showing promise, and several players - notably Boyd, Sweeney and Nelson - looking to start where they left off last season. Porter got into some good positions, although it has to be said his shooting wasn't the best, and overall we played quite well without really getting beyond second or third gear.

Adam Boyd seems to have caught a few eyes with several clubs watching him on Saturday if the stories are to believed. Apparently all of the North-East's "Big Three" were in attendance, as was a scout from Liverpool. Speculation is of course going to be rife if Boyd can continue his form of late last season - and Saturday certainly showed him to be looking in good nick. However, Boyd might be well advised to consider where might be best for him - he'd almost certainly find himself in the reserves at best at Middlesbrough, Newcastle or Liverpool, while it's debatable whether Sunderland would be prepared to stump up the sort of fee that Pools would undoubtedly want. For the moment at least, putting himself in the shop window with consistent performances for Pools is more likely to attract the teams where he might make a more immediate impact at a higher level. With Adam in the final year of his current contract, Pools may well want to start negotiating a new deal with him sooner rather than later - even if it's to be sure of commanding a sizeable fee should he leave.

Meanwhile though it's a quick return to action for the Pools squad. With the away fixture with Tranmere tomorrow, the players were in for a light training session yesterday. There will be a full preview of the game tomorrow, with a match report to follow either late on Tuesday or on Wednesday Morning; but suffice to say that after a disappointing result and performance against Peterborough, fans and manager will be expecting a much improved performance. What price a re-run of last season's two 0-0 draws?