Search for new Hartlepool United striker is ongoing - but it won’t be ex-Premier League star DJ Campbell

PAUL Murray’s search to bring new signings to Hartlepool United remains ongoing – but former Premier League striker DJ Campbell won’t be one of them.
By Richard Mennear
Published 14th Nov 2014, 08:00 BST
NO SIGNINGS THIS WEEK: Paul MurrayNO SIGNINGS THIS WEEK: Paul Murray
NO SIGNINGS THIS WEEK: Paul Murray

The Pools boss has brought in three new players since taking charge and had been hoping to sign three more before tomorrow’s trip to Southend United at Roots Hall (kick-off 3pm).

But he has been frustrated in his efforts and Murray is not expecting any new faces in his squad before the Sky Bet League Two match.

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One player strongly linked with a move to Pools was former Birmingham, Leicester and QPR striker DJ Campbell but Murray has confirmed the 33-year-old is not on his radar.

Campbell started his career in non-league football before moving to Brentford from Yeading in 2005, and has commanded transfer fees totalling more than £3m.

He is now playing for Maidenhead United in Conference South but won’t be returning to league football with Pools.

“We are always looking for more players, for sure and we will see what happens,” said Murray on his search for signings.

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“There is an age bracket we have been missing and by getting a couple of players in we are starting to address it.

“If we get others in, which we are always trying to do, then we are making progress.

“There’s no new players before the weekend, but we are still looking.”

Murray has so far signed midfielders Sidney Schmeltz, 25, and Nicky Featherstone, 26, plus 24-year-old striker Scott Fenwick from non-league Dunston UTS.

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Signing another striker, a back-up goalkeeper to Scott Flinders and another central defender remain Murray’s priorities.

On Wednesday, trialist keepers Aidan Grant and Jonathan Maxted both played 45 minutes each in the 2-1 reserve defeat at Middlesbrough.

But Pools are yet to make a decision on whether they have done enough to earn a contract with the club.

Murray added: “The reserves did OK.

“We are still looking at a goalkeeper, but it was a tough Middlesbrough side.”

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Bringing in another striker is top of Murray’s wishlist, with the club only having Marlon Harewood and Fenwick permanently on the books, with Charlie Wyke’s loan spell from Middlesbrough due to end on November 22 after the York City match.

Murray added: “The loans are up soon and it is certainly something we will be looking at.”