John Askey reiterates Hartlepool United transfer message

Askey has continuously stated his desire to add to his squad throughout the beginning of the season and remains unwavering in his stance on bringing players in just for the sake of it.

Hartlepool have, largely, enjoyed a positive start to the National League campaign but there remain issues – particularly in defence, with squad depth also a concern.

The season-ending injuries to both Dan Dodds and Anthony Mancini have nudged up the need for further recruits but so far Askey is yet to find the right player to add to his squad with Luke Hendrie the latest arrival earlier this month when joining on a season-long loan deal from Bradford City.

Asked about the shape of his current squad, however, Askey still suggests he remains one or two players short as the search continues.

"We need to bring in two or three players but it's not easy just to pluck players out of thin air who are going to be better than what we’ve already got,” he told BBC Radio Tees.

"We’ve got to be careful that we don’t just panic into just bringing anybody in.

"In the past we’ve seen when people feel as though they’re forced into doing that then you can make mistakes. So we’ve just got to try and be patient, pick up results and try and add as we go along and get better players in.”

The Mail understands Hartlepool have had at least one player on trial with them recently as the club weighs up a decision.