We have a problem, our trialist who was apparently with us to regain some much needed match fitness has now featured in all three of our pre-season friendly games and impressed considerably (apparently).

What FIVE things could happen if Kennedy was to sign and what TWO positions we couldn't recruit for if he was offered a deal. Can Raj push the boat out and bring in Taylor AND Kennedy, if it's too much of a financial risk I'm not sure its worth it after the years of money turmoil.

Whilst on, and I'm in no way joining the gum bashing over the non appearance of Luke Williams, I'm desperate for him to prove the minority wrong, but it is disappointing he's not featured in any of the three squads. Presumably he's a cost neutral addition (minimal cost) to the squad until he can/does play. If he doesn't get any minutes he won't be ready to play at the start of the season, I fear the worst for him I really do. Fingers crossed we are just being incredibly careful with him, poor guy must have gone through a lot in the last couple of years.

Kennedy looked neat and tidy against Billingham, a good solid all round player and sounds a decent pro. Got impression from Hignetts comments that he wont be signing him but only because of budget and depth in that position etc. (Wonder if he regrets keeping both Featherstone and Noble?)

I doubt Williams will be starting the first game of the season or be making the bench as he wont be as sharp as the others. Lets be honest we have a fair bit of depth as it stands so no reason to rush him, id rather they took an extra few weeks or months to double check all is fine if it means he breaks down again etc. By sounds of it he has done every training session and is itching to play, all good signs. The club physios etc know best.

Why play Kennedy if he is not going to sign him?

Asking for a friend.

Why play Kennedy if he is not going to sign him?

Asking for a friend.

Apologies for the double entry!

Which one was the debit and which one was the credit?

I was kind of implying that.

Who will be this years Lewis Hawkins and loaned straight out?

Hawkins was given the number 8 shirt, So that confirms that it will be Featherstone heading out on loan.

Going by Hignett's comments today I think Kennedy will probably continue to feature in the friendlies that are coming up against tougher opposition. Whether he can play his way into a deal depends on how the likes of Bale do when it's Pools' turn to get a bit of a chasing by more skillful players.

Williams pronounced himself fully fit when it was ceremoniously announced that he had signed a new contract - this was repeated by Hignett. If he cannot be given a few minutes run out against even the NL donkeys then there must surely be questions asked. Either he was never ‘Fit’ in the first place or he has suffered yet another setback. Either way ‘someone’ is bring frugal with the truth and the fear is that the ‘pay as you play’ deal could also be a myth. It has already been stated that he won’t figure against the Boro which would have been an ideal time to give the lad a cameo appearance. Time to come clean ‘someone’.

Biggest conspiracy theory since the moon landing this!

I DEMAND THE TRUTH POOLS!




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Williams pronounced himself fully fit when it was ceremoniously announced that he had signed a new contract - this was repeated by Hignett. If he cannot be given a few minutes run out against even the NL donkeys then there must surely be questions asked. Either he was never ‘Fit’ in the first place or he has suffered yet another setback. Either way ‘someone’ is bring frugal with the truth and the fear is that the ‘pay as you play’ deal could also be a myth. It has already been stated that he won’t figure against the Boro which would have been an ideal time to give the lad a cameo appearance. Time to come clean ‘someone’.[/quote]

Where is it stated he wont play at the weekend?
Craig said he wouldn`t feature before the weekend and playing him against NL donkeys would be the worst thing he could do, donkeys kick!

Loughlin in today’s Echo - he’s allegedly looking sharp in training tho (Williams not Loughlin)

Loughlin in today’s Echo - he’s allegedly looking sharp in training tho (Williams not Loughlin)[/quote]
thats usually the comment left for managers to say when they constantly pick someone the vast majority do not rate.

This is what Loughlin actually wrote yesterday:

"Hignett insisted he will give Luke Williams a chance in pre-season, but is loathe to throw the attacker in too early after his missed last season with knee problems. Wililams has impressed Hignett in training, but won’t be considered for Sunday’s game with Middlesbrough."

Anyone's issue with that is what exactly? There's 3 more friendlies to come after the Boro game.

As long as he is fit and ready for the season I couldn't care less how many glorified training matches he plays.

Exactly and were hardly short in midfield now meaning theres even less of a rush. The club know best.

We are all curious to see Williams but lets go slowly on this one.

I get all of the patience responses, but every pre-season you hear messages from clubs about how fitness work is one thing, but playing matches is the only thing that gets players ready for the new season, hence why we are playing almost two teams each friendly game, game time for all.

He might be training, but he's not getting anywhere near first team ready if he doesn't play any football. We probably don't need him straight away I agree, I just hope this has been the plan all along. As I said months ago, I saw him away at Wimbledon has he was a Rolls Royce compared to the rest of the players on show that night (apart from Christian Burgess), I'm desperate to see him back at that standard.

Hignett is now saying that if he gets two games in before the season kicks off that will be sufficient for him - despite not playing for well over a year? He really must be something special and I for one cannot wait to see Williams pulling on a Pools shirt week in, week out......

Hignett said he has no money even though Magnay has been released, he said he wasn’t in the original budget.
Where does that leave Kennedy and the rumours about Taylor ?

[quote="Smokin Joe"]Hignett is now saying that if he gets two games in before the season kicks off that will be sufficient for him - despite not playing for well over a year
typical football manager speak where the goalposts are moved for all eventualities. if someone has missed part of the pre season and starts the season slowly then missing part of the pre season is the excuse they all give. i,ll only believe it when he kicks the ball in anger in a league game.

I get the impression some people will fucking love it if Williams gets a knock or doesnt start the first game.

I wonder if Williams is real and not just a fantasy figure

he is real. then i used to think archie andrews was a real kid and not a puppet.

He is real and was superb during his original tenure with the club ...

Then again so was Steve Howard.......

It is not worth rushing Williams now. Give the time he needs to be fully ready. We have plenty of cover in midfield at the moment. I think it will be worth it once he gets into the team. Although how Hignett can contemplate not keeping Kennedy at the club while keepingFeatherstone at the club beggars belief. Kennedy has run the friendlies he has played in while the fat lad continues with his impression of Nathan Luscombe. But what do we know. I’ve run out of space on. my postage stamp now.

Saw him today, he is a real boy!

Another run out for Kennedy, he's clearly getting a deal.

THREE things that I told you so about