It's been a while but I'm excited about the game. 3 new signings, live on TV, big away following against a team with an ex poolie.

If we concede first or make a mistake the fans have to get behind the lads not get straight on their backs. Before the inevitable response that doesn't mean the fans are to blame for where we are, what it means is we can play a part in getting out of it.

Come on Pools! I'll be disappointed if there's not a dickie doshs blue and white army chant audible on the telly for most of the match!

Prepare to be disappointed then - about the chant at least. Manager's don't get identified with our team just for signing players. If we're 3-0 up after 10 minutes you might be in luck!

Yeah but we're north east football fans, mis placed optimism and blind loyalty is in the DNA.

The signings have certainly spiced the game up, previously it just look like a lambs to the slaughter job, however I'm not getting carried away, these are all players who have lost their way, hopefully temporarily , and are looking to get back on track, so not expecting miracles from them , today or the rest of the season for that matter. They are fresh faces who should improve things a little, at least in the short term.

It has a feeling to me of the time when Cyril brought in those 3 players from Scarborough, Bennyworth, Knowles and was it Tupling?, and it turned our fortunes around. Hoping for the same....please.

I personally think we should be aiming higher. More along the lines of when Darlo brought in Tino and got to the Premier league in 5 years.

Ahhhh shite! Well that was unlucky, COME ON POOLS.