....having supported Pools for over 35 years now I can honestly say we had very few big (tall), target men up front. Mainly because we've not been able to afford any, or our youth system have produced non.

The reason we need to give Bjornsson another look is simple really, we've released or sold on players in the same mould in the past to our cost. Whether that be through bad judgement, poor coaching or whatever we have'nt utilised them to their best.

The following examples (IMO) prove it:- 1) Steve Fletcher, played only 32 games for us 1990-92, scored 4 goals (seemed more), at 6'3" became a legend at Bournemouth where he still plays at 37. Was also labelled a big softie at Pools I recall.

2) Steve Howard, also 6'3",played 142 games for us 95-99, scoring 27 goals, was also lambasted a big tattie, but has gone on to beome one of the best strikers outside the Premiership.

3) Jon Parkin, remember him, 6'4", came on loan in 2002, played just once, but was sent packing, has gone on to better things, and currently plays for Preston.

4) Jon Daly, again 6'3", was here 2005-07, scored 12 in 61 games, most importantly at Cardiff, but again was let go cheaply. Has scored 47 in 64 for Dundee Utd, and has won the Scottish Cup with them this after'.

So at 6' 5" and 3 goals in 18, here only 9 months, are we judging our Icelandic International too early, as I recall all of the above being labelled planks in their time with us?

Good shout IMO

He hasnt looked good when i've seen him play admittedly but maybe you've got a point.

The Howard situation still rankles with me though, great player elsewhere

Fair point there he may come good yet or may just be a plank id let him have more time to prove himself you never know could be a hit next season

Why aye. I remember Joel Porter wasnt that good when he first signed for us, but after a pre season and regular run was a hot shot. Fair enough super Joel wasnt a target man like...

But could happen with the big lad. Maybe.

He was a stone overweight when he was here and the crowd got on his back which didn't help his confidence. People might criticise the current set-up at Pools for being unprofessional but if he had been here now we wouldn't have had to sell him on and he would have been match fit. I watched him the other night for Leicester and he is still putting in great performances. Players like Howard are like gold-dust - Bjornsson, unfortunately doesn't have his aggression but is worth peresevering with for another season I suppose.

You could apply the same logic to Adam Boyd, he scored 29 goals for us at his peak but currently (and previously under Turner/West) looks out of sorts for large periods of matches while still having bags of ability.

Yes I know he is not a target man but he is a proven goalscorer at League 1 level.

I know people in the game keep harping on about confidence being a major factor, and they are right.
At Pools recently we tend to pick on players and drop them at the drop of a hat............or at least the manager does. Take Jones for example..........major scapegoat of Turner's, even though the kid very rarely got a start or minutes at least in his preferred position. In other words the message being sent out is I've got no confidence in you. Rowell was another. Turner had absolutely no confidence in the lad at all, didn't have to drop him because he never picked him in the first place.
Bjornsonn is the same and maybe Freddie as well.
The confidence factor in these players is probably at an all time low, because of one man.

Plus he was played as a midfielder more often than not if i recall

I can't agree that Fletcher and Daly have went to be better players when leaving Pools. Thay were shit here, and as far as i know were shit when they left and signed for their other clubs. If Bournmouth fans want to call Fletcher a legend its up to them

Fletcher holds the record at Bournemouth for most league appearances 558, has been there 16 yrs in total, and they have even renamed their new North Stand the "Steve Fletcher Stand". hth.

Erm, no it doesn't help. Infact you've just told me something i already know

So he played 558 games for them in 16 years. More fool them

So if by your own words "They were shit here", but have gone on to do well at their current clubs, how have they not gone on to do better?

Who says they've gone and done better at their clubs

Daly goes to Scotland I'd score goals up there.

Fletcher, well if you play him in your team you start dropping down divisions. Yep and they sure did

I've passed your details onto Dundee Utd, they said if you go up next Thursday they'll give you a trial.

Daly will be playing in Europa League next season for Dundee Utd

And your point is

Surely gone on to better things then

I would guess Mr United sits or stands in the Mill House. You get a rare perspective of games from there, and I can assure you that even Rooney or Shearer would be a shite centre forward by the rarified standards required to shut moaning Mill House regualrs up.

Honest?? Eeeeh...well I never.

Anybody think that's why our ex-players always score against us??

Just a theory like...obviously the experts will be along any minute.

What a crock of toss.

Neither were "shit here".

Daly was ok and certainly improving before he left.

Fletcher was a young kid who was just breaking into the first team before Bournemouth offered us about £50k for him which was money we needed at the time. The reason that they offered us that kind of money was because he was very fkin far from "shit" and looking like a very good prospect. You would argue that given how well he did in his career then they spotted a good player even if you couldn't spot one in the bastad Barcelona team.

How many times did you actually see either of them play?

you're an idiot

Concurring with Mr Aido!

Jon Daly was a player with some potential, he appeared at times to be a bit lazy, but he was a decent player.

How many players do you know who have scored 8 goals in a week?

Gary Mcdonald