So what happens to Niko and Nicke?

The 3 compete for a place/places??

Thanks Tree.

Rocket science.

My point was about reducing budgets, cost constraints etc. £ players for one place is a luxury that we surely can't afford.

Looking at how much he enjoys cutting in from wide on the show reel, he's competition for Luke James as well.

He's quick for a big man and has very good close control - I think our fans are gonna love him if he gets on some of those runs in early games next season. Rakish Bingham comes to mind...

Knows how to win a penalty as well! Weird though that for a big fella he's only shown heading a ball once in 10 1/2 minutes of highlights - at least it's a goal!

Welcome Gime. Gime Gime Gime a goal before midnight?

You think three strikers are a luxury we can’t afford? We have Luke James as well. We’re doomed.

Bearing mind at times you will start with as many as three up front I would say it’s fairly normal for a balanced squad to have different options in forward positions. It’s healthy to have competition for places and different types of players for different situations. I am fairly sure Hignett is working within the budget the owners have given him.

I heard a little whisper that Niko might be on his way.

Signed a new deal but will only play if injuries unless a massive change in attitude from Niko and Hignett.

Impressive though, looks like 4 or 5 of last years first choice will now be subs/ reserves.

Has to be full praise for Singh and Hignett in building a top squad on the tight budget. No relegation this season!

Niko was signed last season for one reason - he was scoring for fun at a lower level and Bates (and Hignett, as DoF) took a chance on him being able to do the same in the National League. It looked like it might work for a couple of months but the goals dried up completely when Pools hit a slump in form.

Right now it's difficult to see him getting the sort of run in the side he'll need to get his confidence back. Assuming he stays, an early loan out to an NL North side might be a good way to go. If he can start scoring again he'd come back into contention at the Vic.

He was the one who suffered most for me from the lack of reserve team last season no football for him to restore confidence and score goals. From I saw early on he definitely looked like he had ability so based on that it would be a shame to give up on him after one season.

You asked what about them, you didnt mention budgets or cost constraints.

Rocket science.

Seems to be more a wide player and can certainly go past a player, something we've missed for a long time. Maybe Toure, Kabamba, James front 3?

My thoughts too.

Donny have signed a new left back. Will Higgy renew interest in Amos?????

if pools can afford it then the bigger the squad the better. change of tactics and players fighting for their places is far better than having automatic choices in the side because there is bugger all else.

Never bothered to play him though did he? He always started Anderson or Kitching etc before him which really surprised me as thought he looked a very tidy player with a good cross on him.