Reports on the official site of all four signings have finished with "subject to league clearance". Are Pools under some sort of special measures or are we suggesting other teams are signing players without it? Or is the reporter paid by the word so he keeps adding sentences that don't really add anything to the story, but is just padding for the sake of padding so it looks like they have thoroughly researched the story and have covered all bases, as to not miss any detail which might leave the reader wanting more information.

It might be IOR's getout if any prospective takeovers don't go ahead.

"Due to league clearance not being forthcoming Hartlepool United have been forced to cancel the contracts of x, y and z. No further comment will be made"

Followed by...
"Manager Ronnie Moore has resigned, Sam Collins will take charge of the first team for the remainder of the season. No further comment will be made"

It's this years FFP.

think every signing goes via league clearance but just seems to be us that makes a point of it

Mansfield doing it as well. Must be another league rule.

http://www.mansfieldtown.net/news/artic ... 85911.aspx

Is it because the players we're signing are still technically under contract at their previous clubs

It is FFP. The Football League have to approve every signing (check that you have room in your budget)