'Aggressive' - Lee Clark issues strong transfer message after busy summer at Hartlepool United
Hartlepool United transfer news as Lee Clark has his say on Pools squad.
Lee Clark says you cannot keep stockpiling players and has praised the 'unbelievable' backing in the transfer market this summer - and says he has complete faith in the squad assembled.
Pools, who signed 14 players this summer and host Woking at Victoria Park on Saturday, have endured a rocky few weeks following three straight defeats to Sutton United, Eastleigh and Halifax Town away on Tuesday evening. It has led to question marks over the squad and whether Pools have left themselves short in key areas, including central midfield.
However, Clark has praised the work done in the transfer market this summer. The Pools boss was speaking at his pre-match press conference at Maiden Castle.
Clark said: "Well, listen, I know how it can work and people just think, 'oh, we're losing, let's go into the transfer market.' But sometimes there's something right in front of your eyes - like Charlie Thornton. So you don't have to do that. He was outstanding when he came on, so let's give him a chance to flourish. You know, I've been backed unbelievably.
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"We were aggressive in the transfer market and we got it done early and I was delighted and I'm still delighted now. We've lost one or two players, and that's unlucky to impact injuries, not soft tissue injuries. So, you know, we've got players who potentially can come back," he told BBC Tees Sport.
Clark added: "No doubt if there was an injury crisis or we had a run of suspensions, if I went and spoke to the people above, things would be there to do it but it's not always the answer. "You can't just keep stockpiling players. You know, we've got solutions inside the club and it's up to me, the staff and the players to get them solutions.
"People weren't talking about signings at the start of the season. It's because you're having different results. The backing I had in the summer was terrific and it's still terrific. I've got total belief in this group of players that we can get back on track and start getting on a winning run again and get some momentum."
Your next Hartlepool United read: Lee Clark issues demand from Hartlepool United squad after three straight defeats ahead of Woking test