'Every player is for sale' – Dave Challinor's honest response regarding further outgoings at Hartlepool United

Pools have sold first team regulars Nicke Kabamba and Peter Kioso to Kilmarnock and Luton Town respectively over the past week.

And with injuries currently ravaging his squad, Challinor is reluctant to let any more players leave this month as his focus remains on bringing players in.

He said: “If we lose any more [players] it’ll be a five a side!

“I wouldn’t think we’ll have anyone else leave unless something turns around very quickly.”

In the cases of Kabamba and Kioso, cash offers were made for the players which were ultimately too good for Pools to turn down. And Challinor recognises that Hartlepool’s National League status and need for sustainability makes it difficult to keep players should substantial bids come in.

“For clubs at our level, you can never say never because as much as you don’t want to say it, every player in my dressing room is for sale, that’s the way it works.

“If someone comes in with a stupid offer we’d be daft not to look at it. What I can say is that I don’t envisage any changes.

“Again circumstances will dictate that, if I was sat with a squad of 28 fit players then it could be suggested that maybe a few go out but I’m not, we need everyone here and available.”