Hartlepool United eyeing further signings

Hartlepool United (2) V Cheltenham Town (0).

So far Moore has brought in Sunderland defender Scott Harrison and Mansfield Town striker Rakish Bingham on loan until the end of the season, with Reading’s Aaron Tshibola joining for a month.

All three have impressed in the two games they have played, including helping Pools to record their first league win in 13 attempts against Cheltenham Town.

But Moore has struggled to bring in further signings to help bolster the squad.

Victory over Cheltenham saw Pools claw the gap to safety back to seven points but further recruits are needed if they are to build on the win.

The Pools boss admits it is still likely to be loan signings.

Moore told SportMail: “Work on incomings continues this week and I am always looking to bring in players.

“We are hoping to bring players in, loans.

“You wouldn’t believe the work we have done.

“The lists of names we have got and names sent to the chairman to have a look at and the amount of people who have said no.

“You have to keep knocking on the door though.

“I still think we are a striker short.

“If we can get another one in and have four of them fighting for the two spots.

“I’m not against playing three strikers and leaving a winger out.

“We have to win games but sometimes you have to put the brakes on and not go gung-ho and lose games 5-0.

“We have some tough away games coming up [against Shrewsbury Town and Tranmere Rovers] and I have to make sure I make the right decision.”

Moore didn’t use any of his subs against Cheltenham, not needing to call on the likes of Matthew Bates, Brad Walker or Nicky Featherstone.

He is keen to add more strength and depth to the squad to further boost his options though.

Moore added: “If you looked at the bench, all of a sudden that is strong again.

“Even though I didn’t use it, at least I can turn around and see players who have experience where before we have had a lot of youngsters in the past.

“If we can bring two more in, that would be five on loan.”

Clubs can have up to seven players on loan at once but can only name five in a match day squad.

- RICHARD MENNEAR