Player Reviews 2009/10 (Defenders)

Following on from the last two weeks Season Reviews, today we bring you our very own Player Reviews.

In a three-part series, we look back at our defence, midfield, and strikers. We will give them our opinions, and also a rating out of 10.

Enjoy, and if you disagree, just join up and share your thoughts in the Vital Hartlepool forums.

Hartlepool United Transfers 2009/2010

OUT:

Summer 2009:

Joel Porter – Gold Coast (Free)
Arran Lee-Barrett – Released
Jan Budtz – Released
Jamie McCunnie – Released
Joe Tait – Released
Martin Young – Released

February 2010:

David Foley – Puerto Rico Islanders (Free)

Loan

David Foley – Barrow (September)
Michael Mackay – Gateshead (1st August – 31st January)
Matty Tymon – Whitby (October)

Player Reviews (Defenders)

Scott Flinders from Crystal Palace (Free)
Player Verdict – A brilliant goalkeeper. He has eclipsed the talent of Dimi Konstantopulos, and has earned Pools many point this season. He has pulled off some great saves, has great handling, and his defence has 100% faith in the 23 year old. Future Premier League stopper. (9/10)

Neil Austin from Darlington (Free)
Player Verdict – Missed the first 10 games of the season, after Stevie Haslam kept him out of the side, but once he regained the right back spot, he’s never looked back. Arguably the best right back in years for Pools, he is calm on the ball, halts runs down the wing, always comes out on top on 50/50’s and it won’t be a surprise if he attracts attention in the close season. (9/10)

Gary Liddle
Player Verdict – Talk about change! Gary Liddle was a very lucky man last summer to be kept on, after a woeful campaign. His midfield spells when he first came, failed to lit up League One, and his move to right back was a disaster. But since playing at centre half against York in a friendly, he has never looked back. He wins every aerial challenge, never loses a 50/50 battle, and has already attracted attention from other clubs. He has been caught not concentrating a few times, but he’ll only get better with age.
(9/10)

Sam Collins
Player Verdict – Captain Sam is another player who has enjoyed a much better season than the one that succeeded. His break in partnership with Michael Nelson was a blessing, as he has struck a great bond with Liddle. Another player who wins everything in the air, he has been a menace at the back.
(8/10)

Steven Haslam from Bury (Free)
Player Verdict – A very steady full back, who puts in a good shift. Nothing fancy, just a no nonsense defender who gets on with the job in hand. Often used as a back up player, the former Sheff Wed man is a great player to have in the ranks. Good squad player (6/10)

Julian Cherel from Unknown (Free)
Player Verdict – The French giant came to Pools following a successful trial period, but has failed to make the cut in English football. Only one appearance to his name, it’s rumoured that he has upset the apple-cart on too many occasions, and possibly faces the axe from the squad when the retained list comes out. (2/10)

Peter Hartley from Sunderland (Free)
Player Verdict – In his first full season for his hometown club, Hartley has had to adapt to a left back role, where he has had mixed success. He has often been exploited by tricky wingers, and rushes when on the ball, but most of the time is steady away. It’ll be interesting to see how he fares next season with a year’s experience under his belt. (5/10)

Return tomorrow for our player reviews on midfield.

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