Hartlepool United duo doubtful for Eastleigh clash as Nicky Featherstone expresses transfer hopes

Hartlepool United manager Nicky Featherstone has admitted his squad is ‘thin’ on options after delivering a somewhat negative assessment of his injury concerns.

Pools are currently putting the final touches to their preparations for Saturday’s home clash with National League rivals Eastleigh and will hope to build on last weekend’s narrow with at Truro City by claiming a win that would boost their hopes of making a late push for the play-off places. The win on the south coast was secured without the services of defender Reiss McNally, midfielder Gavan Holohan and forward duo Adam Campbell and Luke Charman.

There was mixed news on the quartet as they look to work their way back towards full fitness with both Campbell and Holohan rated as doubtful for the meeting with the Spitfires and McNally and Charman both ruled out of contention for the game.

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Speaking to BBC Tees Sport, the Pools boss said: “Reiss, no, he’s still a couple of weeks away. Gav actually trained on Tuesday but felt his knee again so he will be touch and go for Saturday. Adam Campbell may be slightly struggling with a foot injury but again we will see today (Thursday) and tomorrow (Friday). Charman won’t be anytime soon to be fair and other than that we are thin but we have got enough.”

Constantly looking

Featherstone also confirmed Pools are hoping to make ‘one or two’ new signings ahead of next Thursday’s transfer deadline after admitting any new additions would not be made in time to feature in Saturday’s game. The Pools boss also hinted he could make a short-term addition to his squad as he copes with injuries in key areas ahead of the final run-in to the end of the season.

When asked about potential signings, Featherstone replied: “No, not right now. (We are) constantly looking but I would expect some players to come in before Thursday but if the question is are they going to be in before the weekend, absolutely not. There may be one or two and hopefully one or two before next Thursday. We are short in a number of areas at the minute so if that means signing them short-term then we will do. Also, in the same breath, if someone becomes available we like for next season then we will 100 percent look beyond this season, it’s for whatever suits now.”

One player that has departed from Hartlepool over the last week is young defender Louis Stephenson as he prepares to spend the rest of the season with National League North neighbours Spennymoor Town. The 20-year-old made his Moors debut as a substitute in a midweek win against Curzon Ashton and will hope to push for a first start when a Spenny side under the interim manager for former Pools duo Tommy Miller and Matty Dolan host Alfreton Town on Saturday afternoon.

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