Hartlepool United will use FA Cup run cash to make signings in January transfer window

Chief executive Russ Green has revealed the League Two club is in a “good position” to make signings thanks to the “added bonus” of an FA Cup run this season.

Pools have reached the third round of the competition after victories over Cheltenham Town and Salford City.

It has boosted the club’s coffers to the tune of £153,000 ahead of the transfer window opening on Saturday, with some of that cash set to

be spent on improving the squad.

And Green is confident Pools, owned by JPNG, are in a strong position to act fast to bring in temporary and permanent signings.

“It’s a busy time off the field at present, with us working to bring in additional players to bolster our squad for the second half of the season when the window re-opens,” said Green.

“We are looking for both loanees and permanent signings and hope that many of our targets come to fruition.

“We find ourselves in a good position this season with the new owners in place and also the added bonus of a cup run with additional TV money.

“Clubs at our level rely on good cup runs, something we have not had of late, and to have three games on live TV within a month has been a most welcome boost.”

The second round clash with non-league Salford City was shown live on BBC2, with the replay broadcast on BT Sport.

Both live broadcasts saw the two clubs pocket a total of £108,000.

And ahead of the third round clash with Championship side Derby County at Victoria Park on January 9, Pools have already earned £45,000 from the FA’s prize fund.

Pools’ League Two game with Leyton Orient was also televised live on Sky Sports.

With Pools not in action over the festive period, both Ronnie Moore and his assistant Sam Collins have taken the opportunity to watch several games and check out potential targets.

The Boxing Day home match against Notts County fell victim to the weather, while the Bank Holiday Monday game at Carlisle United had already been called off due to flooding.

Moore used the postponements to watch recommended transfer targets at non-league matches.

With Pools the lowest scorers in League Two and with top scorer Billy Paynter out injured with Achillles trouble, finding a poacher for January is vital.

Chairman Gary Coxall revealed to SportMail that Pools have money to spend in January - but he wouldn’t put a figure on how much Moore will have available.

Coxall, speaking in November, said: “If the players are worth it and bring something to the club then we will bring them in.

“I have never been a fan of people putting figures on budgets and saying you have this or that to spend.

“It then puts pressure on a manager to spend it, or he has people around him spending it for him.

“We will sit down and we have a number of targets we want to get and we will work through them.

“If they cost a bit, they cost a bit, if not, brilliant.”