Hartlepool hot seat has been very hot
Boss Chris Turner doesn’t want any repeats of this season’s agonies
By Mark Shail May 20, 2009

Chris Turner
Our objective was achieved and we need to ensure we are better next season




Hartlepool managed to avoid relegation from League One last season but it wasn’t without a serious scare after the Monkeyhangers finished just one point above the drop-zone. Pool were actually beaten 4-1 by Bristol Rovers at the Memorial Ground on the last day of the campaign but results elsewhere enabled Chris Turner’s men to avoid the drop. Turner is now planning a much-improved season next term and he has already made a number of changes to his playing squad.

HOW DO YOU ASSESS LAST SEASON?
The table doesn’t lie and we have to tighten up in all areas across midfield and at the back. I feared it would be a tough season from early on. We didn’t survive in a blaze of glory but our objective was achieved and we need to ensure we are better next season. In many ways the last game at Bristol Rovers typified our season – in the first five minutes of both halves we conceded two easy goals and that has been our problem. While the players gave everything, they weren’t strong enough.

YOU’VE ALREADY MADE CHANGES TO YOUR PLAYING STAFF AFTER SIGNING ADAM BOYD AND LEON McSWEENEY?
You have to careful that you are not signing journeymen of inexperienced players. Those two boys we have signed know the division, have performed well in it and have played for clubs that have been successful in it. We are also on the edge of two or three more deals.

DOES WINGER McSWEENEY’S ARRIVAL MEAN THAT RITCHIE JONES WILL REVERT TO HIS FAVOURED CENTRAL MIDFIELD ROLE NEXT SEASON?
Ritchie’s had some highs and lows and played well out wide, which is not his preferred position. I’ve fire-fought a lot of players playing in areas to get the best out of the team rather than the individual. Ritchie’s got to come back as a central midfield player and fight for his place in the team, not coming back with the mentality that, “I might be stuck out on the right wing”.

WERE YOU PLEASED THAT YOU MANAGED TO PERSUADE MIDFIELDER ANDY MONKHOUSE TO STAY AT THE CLUB?
It’s important that we keep the players we feel can help move the club forward. I had a chat with Andy when I took over and he started to perform and I think I can get the best out of him. He can score goals and get into the penalty box. We want the players who re-sign to feel part of something that is going to happen.

HAVE YOU FOUND A REPLACEMENT FOR DEPARTING WINGER MATTY ROBSON?
I have already got a replacement lined up who has just been on holiday for a fortnight. I hope by the time he returns we will have the position filled. He can provide competition with Andy Monkhouse, which we need in as many areas as we can.

Who on earth wrote the questions??

Actually 1 isnt a question at all and the one asking if he s please Monkhouse has signed, well duh!

He should have been asked:

1. Danny wilson, WANKER?
2. How hard did Ben Clark punch Martin Scott?
3. Ben Clark, defender?
4. Paul Beavers, why?
5. Chili or garlic?
6. Is dimi foookin us about?
7. Who else is signing?
8. Can I have your old job, if you are going to be manager?

this isnt even a proper q&a. Its just loads of snippets of interviews put together with the questions added in later

Q9: Pink or brown?

are we talking Steak here?

Of course not, im talking snooker you muppet!