Sarll’s – perfectly understandable – suggestion that there was no need to panic, despite a number of his National league rivals making a fast start to their summer business, provoked a varied response from supporters, ranging from agreement to frustration and even ridicule.
Some fans took his comment emphasising that this summer’s European Championships meant Pools have an elongated off-season as some sort of bizarre suggestion that one of international football’s premier competitions was somehow preventing him from doing business.
Of course, that’s not what he meant at all. The former Stevenage, Yeovil and Woking boss was simply pointing out that Pools have a greater period of time to shop around this summer, with the Euro’s meaning the season ended earlier than it normally would.
Sarll must strike the perfect balance between haste and caution, but at this stage he is well within his rights to take his time and do his due diligence.
If rumours are to be believed, his patience could be about to pay off with the signing of Halifax midfielder Jack Hunter.
Hunter featured 44 times in a Halifax side that reached the National League play-offs, finishing the campaign with an 85 per cent pass completion rate, winning almost five duels every 90 minutes and making an average of 3.5 interceptions per game.
The 26-year-old perfectly matches Sarll’s profile. He has connections to the North East, having progressed through the ranks at Newcastle before leading Gateshead to the National League North championship. He is known for his toughness and is getting close to the peak of his career—something the Pools lacked in general the previous season.
In fact, Hunter appears to be able to address many of Pools’ midfield issues; as Sarll stated in his initial press conference, he prefers round pegs in round holes.Sarll’s patience is about to be rewarded for the first – and perhaps not the last – time this summer, assuming there is any truth to the rumors and that Pools can close the deal.
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