Those were the thoughts today of manager Danny Wilson who has been encouraged by the early signs shown from midfield summer buys Ritchie Jones and Alan Power.



Pools do not have the spending power of many Coca-Cola League One clubs – Colchester United for example spent £675,000 on three players – but Wilson and co do have an eye for a talented player.

The gifted Jones came through the ranks at Manchester United, where he was released in the summer, while Power, a multi-decorated Irish youth international, was let go by Nottingham Forest.

Jones has started both of Pools' opening league games, marking his debut with a goal, while the chunky Power showed in the Carling Cup that he can not only put the strong tackles in, but he also has plenty of vision with his passing.

"I'm delighted with them, they'll do well," said Wilson.

"We don't have the power to bring those types of top people in.

"But what we have is a good young squad we're building here.

"If we can keep them together for a few years then they'll start to mature and develop together, so that's what we're hoping for.

"As far as this season goes we're hoping they (Jones and Power) are going to be pushing for regular places."

For all Wilson is happy with his purchases – freed Newcastle United keeper Mark Cook was also brought in – he insists Pools will keep
looking although there is nothing imminent on the horizon.

"We're always working," said Wilson. "We never stop, every minute of the day.

"But getting hold of them is a totally different matter, but we'll still persevere.

"There's a level we're going to have to operate at – we're not going to go to Manchester United and sign one of their players.

"We are realistic and we know we have to cut our cloth accordingly.

"It'll be tough to get people – it's not easy unless you can get 30,000 people in your stadium."

Power is likely to feature for Pools reserves tonight when they take on Barnsley at Billingham Town's Bedford Terrace ground (kick-off 7pm) in their opening fixture of the season.

The likes of Jamie McCunnie, Johnny Rowell and Michael Mackay are also expected to be in the starting line-up.