1996/97 Football Season

So we're off again....Can Hartlepool United turn last season's 20th position into at least a top half finish? Well, here are some opinions (well alright two opinions):

"Without any doubt they can and will. Seven new signings should do the trick as far as replacing the deadwood that Houch got rid of at the end of last season. Halliday remaining (not for the want of trying to bugger off) has got to be a bonus, as a strike force of Halliday and Allon should be good for over 35 goals (assuming Joe is fat, er fit). With a decent keeper (Steve Pears) in to replace the mercurial Brian Horne and a solid back four/five there is absolutely no reason why we can't get in the top six. Perhaps the most important factor will to get off to a good start. Too often in the past we have left ourselves too much to do (eg last season) when we start like Julie Christie rather than Linford (thanks to Garry Nelson for that one - his book is a must read, but why did he go to Torquay?). I'm confident that we'll do well and that by the end of the season the bookies odds of 50/1 will look more than a touch generous." (The Flying Pig)

"Yes" (Rich's Dad - Rich was out when I phoned up)