Source: Northern_Echo
Subs a benchmark of Pools strength
CHRIS TURNER has long been an advocate of the idea that the strength of his substitutes bench is an indicator off how well off Hartlepool United are.
And, with plenty of options at hand to make changes during games, Pools’ are spoilt for choice.
Adam Boyd, who netted three times for the reserves in midweek, Neil Austin, who earned a place in the League Two team of the year last season with Darlington, and Armann Bjornsonn, who has just moved to League One from the Norwegian topflight, are just three of the solid and effective replacements Turner has available.
With Wycbome Wanderers at Victoria Park this afternoon, Pools are seeking a first home win of the season at the fifth attempt.
Away from home, Pools have yet to concede a goal in earning seven points. As soon as they produce that form at home, they can start to relax.
“It says on the shirt ‘never say die’ and even at 3-0 at Oldham the other night, the players didn’t want to concede,’’ reflected Turner.
“I’m very pleased with the attitude of the players; we’ve seen some good performances.
It’s important to keep a clean sheet and work with that attitude right to the end not to concede.
“We want to turn the players into winners.
“I said to the players when I read the team out at the hotel last Friday that we had a real, strong squad with players desperate to get into the team.
“Neil Austin, Freddy (Jon- Andre Fredriksen), Adam Boyd, (Colin) Larkin, Armann Bjornsson – the boys in the team have to keep their shirt and keep up that standard. If we have that sort of competition it can only be good for the team.
“I always believe what is on your bench can make all the difference. Look at the new boy (Bjornsson). When we need to chase something in a game what an option he will be to put on in a few weeks time.
“We can load the ball up there and he will win things.
He gives us something else in our locker.
“Last season we looked at the bench and cringed a little bit, now we’ve real strength.’’ Ben Clark is out of contention today with a thigh strain, while Ritchie Humphreys has only just returned to training after an Achiles problem.
They are the only absentees and Turner added: “The boys are under contract and waiting for a chance.
“One player has been in to see me about things and I said to him that he wouldn’t like it if he was in for one game, had a poor game and was left out on the back of it.
“You have to look at the bigger picture. The boys not in the starting line-up will play a big part this season, no doubt about it.
“We are trying to get a togetherness in the squad, so when someone misses out, another can step in.
“Even when not in the team, you have to train to be ready and step up when called upon.
“You can’t have players not in the team with their faces tripping them up and slacking off in training – we wouldn’t allow it.
“They all work hard and, even if they are not in the team, they will be ready to take their chance when it comes.’’ Wycombe were promoted from League Two last season and have had a mixed time this term.
Like Pools, they have faced some of the division’s bigger sides – Charlton and Norwich – and have four points, with one win from six games.
Turner’s side have lost all of their home games to date, but the manager insisted: “We’ve Wycombe to come and there is no fear about playing at home, despite results not going our way.
“Quality of opposition has played a big part.
“But these boys will go out and work hard – they didn’t mean to go out and lose to Norwich and play poorly.
They are honest lads and will give their all.’’
