Looking at the Gateshead highlights I have no idea why Timi Odusina has been relegated to a back up role since Ogle and Byrne were signed. There's no pace in a back 3 of those two plus Liddle and the Heed forwards cashed in on that time and again.

Odusina is quicker than any of them and had 3 good games for Pools in the play-offs; can't understand why he's the only one of the starting 11 at Ashton Gate still with us who is missing out?

Of course, there's no pace in the Pools central midfield either, and we won't get away with that in League 2 anymore than Featherstone-Woods did in the last couple of seasons that we were a football league club. New signing Martin Smith looks to be as one paced as the rest.

Its probably because Ogle and Byrne need more game time as Timi only had 2 weeks off

Totally agree - after his shambolic offerings before his run in the playoffs he seemed to turn a corner and looked very composed. Got us out of a few situations with his pace.

not seeing anything from Byrne, lost the ball loads and misplaced some passes. Same with Ogle, not sure where he is fitting in (surely not a replacement for Timi in the 11). Gutted we dont have Cass as i feel he made a massive difference to us down that right hand side and linked up with his former Newcastle team mate Mr Sterry very well.

watching the highlights from the weekend, we looked tired. Second to most balls. Ran out of ideas the first half. Mols brought on and gave his usual 10 mins of directness for all it was worth. Why arnt we getting players like Cedwyn Scott ? looked the part and managed to get behind us enough.

Again agree we will get found out big style in the center of the park. We dont have that bite in midfield (shelts brings in sometimes but too incosistent with his tenacity if his heads down). Smith i feel is another Tom White, replacement for Feaths should he tire or get injured.

Two years ago i contacted pools about Ced Short then very prolific at Hebburn Town, not interested and he comes to haunt us on Saturday. I am sure he would of got a hat trick had he been on for the 90 minutes.

Realistically if he was league standard why did Carlisle get rid of him?.

it was a pre season sodding glorified training session and nothing whatsoever to do with our starting 11 v crawley. if the score was the other way round it would not have been much more of a significance. if the players attitudes were not to peoples liking it was not a game everyone can motivate themselves for anyway.

Because he isn't. At least in my eyes. He'll become a decent conference level player but would struggle in the EFL.

I watched Hebburn on the weekend, and came to the conclusion they must be a strikers wet dream considering how active the midfield is.

Glorified training session? Not in Dave Challinor's book, judging by his reaction straight after the game.

clearly most of the trialists we have had in over the last 2 games treat it as one. DC wasnt happy at all with them at Spenny and i doubt we will be seeing any of the lads from the weekend tomorrow night either (maybe Bramall)

possibly though he,s the type who would take a kick about in his back garden a serious game of football. not all players feel the same especially those under contract. some need something serious to play for plus fans in the ground as well.

less than 2 weeks away from the First game and we still short of those 6 or so players we require to make up the squad. Could be worse we could be in Derbys position a suppose.

or still in the tin pot league

yepp.. fair one