https://www.hartlepoolmail.co.uk/sport/ ... at-4449135

Fair and balanced article imo regards what I was trying to articulate in my last post

when you look at it the way it is - the league has always been, win a few and your amongst it, loose some and you are mid table or staring the relegation lot in the face. Its a queer league and its another reason why i hate it so much! We will no doubt get a small run again where we collect some points. Doubt any of the bottom 3 now will go on some mad march up the table. They are where they are at this mid point because of how crap they are.

Pools could do with just adding another really good attacking Mid to the pack. Someone who has that little bit something and can put a tackle in.
Mancini been back in the fold would be magic too but id rather have him 100% and not rush him back in. I think that would help us an like the article from Joe suggests we are relying too much on Mani D for the goals - should we loose him through sale or Injury we would be absolutely up shit creek without a paddle or arms for that matter !!!

He also needs to find a strike partner - yet another season Pools have insufficient fire power from the second CF.

I think you're right, we are desperately short of a midfielder who creates things through the middle either with a killer pass or beating a man.
Joe Grey did it for one game but has been largely anonymous since. Crawford can do it if he gives up defensive duties, as can Mancini.
Strike partner for Mani, of the players we currently have it would be worth giving Cooke a try in the 10 position imo.

Yeh its criminal how we have relied solely on Mani D - the gamble has paid off in respect to what could have been i.e 2 strikers getting say 10 goals a season each (something Mani D is currently well under way to achieve!). But i think in this league more than ever (as shown before with the Oates and Armstrong) that you must have 2 top men who can bag on the regular. This then takes away the fact your defence is so shite you concede 3 but always manage to score 4 ! goals win games at the end of the day !

we should be looking at least for the short term to be getting in some skilful good on the ball CM with good passing and a good engine (usually these attributes altogether wont be at our level as much better places posses those talents) but at least 2 of them would do. Along with some form of good strike partner for Mani D - i dont care if he doesnt notch 10 from now till the end of the season but if he can supply Mani and hold the ball up and bring in the likes of Cooke and Grey to score then its job done. Chesterfield have that man in Liam Mandeville, does alot of donkey work and is an akward customer who still chips in with the goals