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September
Pool
1 Southend 2. Three home league defeats on the trot is hardly a successful
start to a new season. For Chris Turner the home league form was becoming
a major headache. Southend left the Vic with a now expected three points.
Pool actually took the lead after Shrimpers keeper Mel Capelton let Paul
Stephenson's free kick squirm under his body. Southend soon levelled the
match with a bullet header. Boss Chris Turner replaced Gary Jones with
Kevin Henderson and it was Henderson who won a penalty for Pool. He charged
down an attempted clearance and Capelton came racing out of his goal and
although he appeared to touch the ball he also took Henderson out. Capelton
was lucky to stay on the pitch. Chris Freestone stepped up to take the
kick, but his side footed attempt was saved by Capelton. Two minutes from
time Martin Hollund was strangely adjudged to have brought down Scott
Houghton. Former York striker Neil Toulson stepped up and converted the
spot kick despite Martin Hollund getting a hand to it. After the match
Chris Turner said "If we had scored the penalty then we would have
been 2-1 up. I cannot knock Chris, but if he had tucked that away then
I am sure we would have all gone away celebrating a victory instead of
being booed off the field. I am stunned by the defeat. We did not deserve
to win with that performance, but we did not deserve to lose. It was a
poor from both sides and on that performance neither side is going to
do anything this season". Not a nice present for birthday boy Freestone.
Turner stepped up his search for new players and brought in 30-year-old
Belgian Tonny Mols on trial. Central midfielder Mols had been released
by Dundee United after 11 appearances in Scottish football. Turner said
"He looks composed, but we will have a close look at him in the reserve
clash. We are just waiting for clearance from the Scottish FA to play
him, but hopefully there should not be a problem. Having players on trial
means I can get a close look at them before deciding whether to take them
or not." A day after the arrival of Mols, Turner added another trialist
to his squad. Middlesbrough born winger Andy McAvoy currently with First
Division Blackburn Rovers, trained with Pool and in a bid to impress played
in the reserves game at home to Halifax. The 20-year-old had yet to make
an appearance for then Brian Kidd's side, although he had been highly
recommended. "McAvoy has been recommended to us and he is another we will
look at closely. I have been constantly on the phone to try to get new
players because I am determined to improve the quality in the squad. It
is not an easy task though, but I will keep going.'' Midfielder Gustavo
Di Lella requested to go on the transfer list. Gus had started 4 games
this season but was disappointed not to be named amongst the substitute's
for the home match with Southend. Turner said "Gus wants first team football,
I cannot promise anybody that".
Chris Turner continued his early season Pool shake up with the capture
of 21 year old Sam Shilton. The son of ex England goalkeeping legend Peter
signed a two month loan deal with a view to making the move permanent
if successful. Shilton plays left wing/wingback and has made seven appearances
for Premiership Coventry City since joining them from Plymouth Argyle
in a £12,500 deal in 1995. Turner beat a host of first division teams
including his former employers Wolves to Shilton signature. Turner said
"It is thanks to my friendship with Gordon Strachan that I have managed
to get Sam. Sam is a player with lots of potential and quality. He has
played at the highest level and a lot is expected of him. I have brought
him hear to add to the competition in our side. He will come here initially
on loan, but we are hoping we can come to a permanent arrangement with
him after the two months". Leyton Orient stepped in with a bid for utility
man Ian Clark. The £20,000 bid was accepted by Pool, but Clark could
not agree personal terms and chose to stay at Pool and fight for his place.
Michael Mols failed to impress and returned to Dundee, whilst Andy McAvoy
shone in the reserves, but Turner was to find pushing a deal through difficult.
Finally on the transfer front number one Pool target Jan Ove Pedersen
was reportedly ready to sign a pre contract agreement to join Pools on
November 1st. Pedersen's contract was up at the end of October and with
Brann Bergen refusing to release him before then as they chase a Champions
League place for next season, a pre contract was seen as the best way
Chris Turner had of landing the former Pool favourite. Austrian side Graz
were also reportedly interested in Pedersen, but he favours a move back
to Pool where he enjoyed a very successful loan period two seasons ago.
Northampton 2 Pool 1. Back on the pitch Pool travelled to Sixfields
and were undone by ex-Poolie Stevie Howard. Despite taking the lead through
Tommy Miller, Pool were hit by a Howard double in the second half after
influential Gary Strodder was forced to leave the field with an injury.
Centre back Gary Strodder was expected to be missing from first team action
for at least two months after an inflammation of and old Achilles tendon
injury during the first half of the defeat at Northampton. Pool boss Chris
Turner brought in Rune Vindheim on trial with a view to the ex-Burnley
man filling in for the absent Strodder. Promising teenager Adam Boyd signed
a three year deal with the club with Chris Turner saying "I believe if
we nurture him properly and he continues to work hard and learn then he
has got a great chance of doing well". Two goals from Chris Freestone
and one from Craig Midgley saw Pool beat a youthful Middlesbrough team
in a behind closed doors friendly at the Vic.
The team strengthening continued as Pool boss Chris Turner signed Blackburn
Rovers midfielder Lee Fitzpatrick on a one month loan deal in time for
the home game with Plymouth. Turner had also agreed a short term deal
with central defender Rune Vindheim. Turner said "Lee is someone who will
strengthen our midfield and has not had a chance at Blackburn. He is aiming
to prove a point and is looking forward to coming here. Rune is another
who is aiming to show what he can do and I have been impressed with him
this week".
Pool 3 Plymouth 0. The early season home disaster run was finally
over as Pool hammered Argyle in front of 2242 fans at the Vic. Chris Freestone,
Graeme Lee and Kevin Henderson all got on the score sheet and even though
Tommy Miller and Ian Clark put in very average performances, Pool looked
comfortable and in total control for only the second time this season.
Turner was a relieved man. Orient 2 Pool 1. Back on the road and
Pools first trip of the season the London village. Josh Low gave Orient
the lead, but Paul Stephenson soon pulled Pool level. Dean Smith grabbed
the winner for Orient as Pool stuttered in the City. After the match Turner
said "We had an awful start, but when we got it to 1-1 I thought we would
start to pick up our game. We didn't and it was only in the last half
hour that we did that. In the end I thought we deserved a draw, but that's
how things are going for us at the moment. We are either losing by the
odd goal or beating teams convincingly. We have beaten better teams than
Orient though. I know it is frustrating, but we have to keep going and
keep working hard".
Pool winger Ian Clark turned down a second offer from Leyton Orient. The
London side offered Clark improved personal terms on the original three
year deal. But again Clark has turned Tommy Taylor's side down. Pool boss
Chris Turner said "Orient have made an improved personal offer for Clark,
but he is staying with us". It is believed that Clark did not want to
uproot his wife and new-born baby for the capital. Pool left September
knowing there was still a lot of work to be done before the club could
make an impact on the third division. Sitting in 22nd position and just
two points from being bottom, the last game Chris Turner would want to
start October with was the visit of Darlington.
The story continues.............October.
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