Hartlepool: Debut wait for Gamble
Hartlepool new boy Joe Gamble will have to be patient.
He was set to be on the bench at home to MK Dons on Saturday and that is likely to remain the case next weekend at Charlton.
Director of sport Chris Turner wants to ease in the former Cork City star, who hasn't played since the Irish League finished in November.
Turner said: "Joe wouldn't have started on Saturday.
"But at least he'll have another week with the players. He would have taken part in the game last Saturday at some stage I'm sure."
His chances will improve if he plays a part for the reserves, who are due to face Middlesbrough at Billingham Synthonia tomorrow night.
But the chances of the game going ahead are slim, unless Boro opt to
switch the match to the Riverside.
That could also affect the chances of Denis Behan and Steve Haslam featuring in Saturday's game with the fit-again duo unable to regain their match fitness due to the weather.
"I would play Joe tomorrow if the game went ahead, but I very much doubt it will," said Turner.
"Likewise, Denis Behan is fit now and I would have put him on the bench at Charlton if we had been training normally.
"But he hasn't been able to do anything apart from go in the gym."
Even if Gamble's debut this weekend is as a substitute, Turner believes the two-time Republic of Ireland international will prove a popular figure with the Pools faithful.
The former Cork City player should provide the bite lacking in the Pools midfield since Willie Boland's playing career ended 18 months ago.
Director of sport Turner said: "It doesn't matter where you are, crowds in general like to see players get stuck in.
"The unfortunate thing is the game doesn't warrant that anymore.
"That's what supporters call passion and commitment and what they want to see.
"Joe certainly does do that.
"Tackling is an art but some players can't do it.
"Joe can tackle and can pass and I think the fans will like him."
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Friday 10 February 2012
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