The Crewe game was bizarre. With a different keeper we would have got a result. ALB is laughable. I haven't seen anything like it since Hollund's bad year or Steve Jones. Even before he gave Crewe their last he had tried to do the same only 5 minutes before. His pitiful, weak pass out of the area had been within millimetres of being intercepted.

At first I was appalled that so many Pools players let the Crewe player, who scored their only goal that wasn't ALB's fault, run past them without making a challenge- but then I guess giving a freekick within shooting distance equals a goal with ALB in goal. I don't care if Budtz was still drunk yesterday- he should have played instead of ALB. ALB should never play for Pools again, ever.

With the departure of Mr 'I don't get paid enough to try away from home' Kyle we are in a nightmare situation up front. Porter is carrying two injuries we are told - and he is more of an entertainer than a prolific forward anyway. If he is injured (as frequently happens) we have a forward line of Mackay (who will never be a success in league football) and Foley (0 goals 84 league appearances).

Even with a good defence behind them that would mean relegation. And we haven't got a good defence behind them.

I couldn't believe that Barker was disaffected and then sold at the time. Now it just looks like the act of a man who knew he would be managing elsewhere and didn't care. Is there anyone who wouldn't prefer him to what we've got?

So who are the answers then. I think we must get two strikers this week. We know we won't get anyone that clubs rate (or they would keep them). So it is likely to be kids from prem/championship teams or people out of favour or unfit. Any suggestions? If Elding isn't starting at Crewe maybe he would be an idea. If the Kyle/Wilson/Barker wage saving is enough maybe loaning Billy Clarke would be an option?

Who, realistically, would people like to see brought in?

In narly half of our games this season we have conceded three goals or more. What makes you think the crisis is up front ?

I think the crisis is both areas to be fair.

It was just the defence, but now with brown injured and virtually no one else, kyle gone, barker gone, it's spread to the front line.

A potential forward line of Mackay and Foley.

You could cut down the flow of goals to a trickle by replacing ALB with Budtz(adequate) or a better keeper.

we are desperate indeed - to the extent that if there's any Conference or League Two strikers not getting their game I think Pools should consider bringing them in on loan, because as you said Foley and MacKay are woeful. MacKay tried to twist himself into the ground and hit a "blind" shot from an impossible angle yesterday when Sweeney was well placed on the right and looking at him, to be able to put in a cross. His decision making is awful, and is far too lightweight for League One football. It's proved too much of a step up in class for him sadly, although he has notched a handful of goals, which is more than can be said for Foley, who simply hides a lot of the time.
Luke Beckett has gone somewhere like Gainsborough - surely we could attempt to make him a short term offer? Class and finishing ability is permanent and he's got that.

we are in crisis at both ends tho.
we definately need a striker imo, the prospect of mackay and foley up front makes me want to cry

So let me get this right, you are blaming ALB for 3 of their 4 goals yesterday? are you a complete fucking buffoon?

he can only be blamed for the idiotic fourth goal

No need to call anyone that really, ALB is garbage I don't care how many goals he was at fault for he isn't anywhere near good enough to be playing for my team and I'm disgusted that he is. As I said last night the worst keeper I've ever seen at Pools and I stand be that even sober!

maybe so, but saying he was at fault when he wasn't is bordering on pathetic

Well the 25 yard strike was at a very savable height and nowhere near the corner, and the cross for the first went through his arms. So some blame could be attached for 3 of the 4 goals, and the fact every time he plays the defence is a fooking shambles should be taken into account as well.

oh my god that 25 yard shot was unstoppable, so much so that everyone around us in the town end applauded what was an outstanding shot............ what is the opposite of having Rose-tinted specs?????

Was it in the top corner?

It shouldn't have come as a surprise. Pools spent the whole of Friday afternoon perfecting that tactic.

no, but it was about 5 inches from the post

The post not the bar then? So it was at a savable height? Great strike yes, unstoppable certainly not. As MadJohn said Crewe's keeper made a better save first half.

well from my angle only the better GK's of the world would have saved it, could be wrong like! I will await the highlights with baited breath

I don't need highlights we were at the perfect angle to see that to see that the ball wasn't anywhere near the corner and at a savable height, a half decent keeper would have at least got a hand on it. Budtz might have even!

ok, your right and i'm wrong, congratulations