Ritchie Told – That Midfield Spot Is Yours

Ritchie Humphreys has been told that his role in central midfield is not temporary and if he wants to keep it, he has the ability to do so.

Ritchie will surpass Kenny Johnsons record of 413 games for Pools tonight leaping him into 4th in the all-time appearance table, and he will start tonight in a position in which he has rarely been utilised in his time at Pools.

However Turner has no worries that Ritchie can fill the spot, just like he did expertly against Walsall. Ritchie has played left-back for the last two seasons because we haven’t had a left-back. I always told him this season he would have an important role to play in a variety of different positions. He played up front in the reserves for the first time in years and really enjoyed it.”

Humphreys played a clinical role in Pools’ opener at the weekend, exchanging a great one-two with Denis Behan before squeezing the ball through the defence for Andy Monkhouse, and Turner has revealed that is why he has played him there – to control the game, and pick out passes.

”On Saturday he was in central midfield and did really well there. His pass for the first goal was fantastic and that’s why I brought him back into the team at the first available opportunity.”