Boland And Liddle Lined Up

Hartlepool United boss Danny Wilson is hoping to complete the signings of midfielders Willie Boland and Gary Liddle.

31 year old Boland who was released by Cardiff City at the end of last season has had trials with Wrexham, Swindon and most recently Grimbsy Town. With over 200 games under his belt in a seven year spell with the Bluebirds, Boland will bring some much needed experience to the centre of the Pools midfield.

Boland’s former boss Lennie Lawrence was interviewed by the Western Mail a couple of weeks ago whilst the player was training with League One side Swansea City, Lawrence said:

“Willie can definitely play in League One and any club looking to get out of that division should take a look at him.

He’s a terrific competitor and would be a great signing for Swansea. With Willie you know exactly what you’re going to get between 3pm and 4.45pm on a Saturday afternoon.

He’s a combative player who gets other people at it both in training and in matches. He played under a lot of different managers, but, no matter who was there, Willie always played and that tells its own story.

He’s a very fit boy, he can’t half get about the pitch. And he’s also versatile – he was an integral part of the 4-3-3 system I played when I first took over. People forget he played wide right in the play-off final against QPR.

He’s someone who just gets on with his job. In many ways he’s a manager’s dream. He’d be a very good signing for Kenny Jackett.”

Wilson’s second target Gary Liddle looks set to move to Victoria Park initially on loan from our Premiership neighbours Middlesbrough. Liddle is a graduate of the very successful Middlesborough academy system and was tipped to break into Gareth Southgate’s first team this season. Liddle can play either in the middle or out on the right wing.

If the signings are confirmed before 12 noon on Friday both players will go straight into the squad for Saturday’s visit of Torquay United.