Parkes has probably been his side’s best player so far this season, starting all 12 matches, but the experienced defender is set to be sidelined this weekend after picking up his fifth yellow card of the campaign against Forest Green Rovers.
That means Billy Sass-Davies will have another chance to impress following a strong start to his Pools career.
The towering 24-year-old linked up with Sarll for the third time this summer – he’d already played under the Pools boss at both Yeovil and Woking – and has made nine appearances.
Initially signed as back-up to the experienced pair of Luke Waterfall and Tom Parkes, Sass-Davies has been a regular in the Pools defence with Waterfall serving two suspensions.
In truth, he was more than a little unfortunate to lose his place when Waterfall returned from suspension against Rochdale but the former Wales under-21 international hasn’t had to wait too long to regain his place in the XI.
For all Pools have struggled this season, the centre-halves have been impressive and Sarll’s side have shipped just six goals in the nine games Sass-Davies has featured in.
And with the defender set to partner Waterfall for the first time this term, Sarll is confident he is the perfect man to replace the impressive Parkes.
“Bill’s experience of working for me is greater than any other player in this squad,” he said.
“I think Billy has always had real promise.
“He played for Wales at a very young age, he’s played in the Football League at a very young age.
“He now needs to make sure that his consistency across the board is at the highest possible level.
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