ExPool?

With pre season just days away, the rumour mill is nearing full throttle and we ask why 'Pool are continuingly being linked to former players?

John Hills is the latest name to be supposedly signing a contract at Bloomfield Road as Simon Grayson builds on his squad trying to prepare for life in The Championship. Hills - who left in 2003 to join Gillingham due to a disagreement with his new contract - has played just 90 games since as injury has plagued his after-Seasider`s career.

Why do supporters want him back? He left with a bad taste in the mouth and hasn`t pulled up any trees whilst he`s been away in the higher division; can`t we find anyone better at left back? As a side note, I`d say Robbie Williams isn`t perfect for this role, but better than Hillsy - I`d like to see a fresh approach made in this area of the team.

Also, St Annes born Hills` best attribute was overlapping with his left hand side counterpart - namely Tommy Jazczun - and with Wes Hoolahan likely to occupy the left midfield slot - would this really work?

My personal choice to fill the left back void would be Chris Cohen from Yeovil. The shaven headed cockney, formally of West Ham United, adds class to any backline with his incisive distribution and even scores a full goals to - adding seven to his collection last season for Town. At the age of 21, he`s still learning the game, but clearly has the attributes to be a top player and motivator as he`s already captained playoff losers Yeovil. We have a bit of money don`t we, we why not splash out on quality?

Another name being touted around is Peter Clarke - but manager Simon Grayson said that rumour had no legs. To read the Peter Clarke article click here.

Why is it that we`re being continually linked with former players? Is it due to the fact supporters have a lack of knowledge of the players we could be offering deals, or is that affection for the former still there?

Would Clarke and Hills add real quality to Blackpool`s side? Even Brett Ormerod is being linked - the rumour mill is getting a little silly, I hope. If these rumours are fact however, and players such as the injury prone Hills are to grace Bloomfield Road next season, I think it`s more likely we`ll be playing Stockport or MK Dons in a years time and not Preston and Burnley…



Rumour has it however, that veteran Mike Conroy will be signing a one year contract to come and take the penalties next season!

Click here to join in the debate on the club forum.