MIKE Newell last night heaped further praise on Hartlepool United's fab four - and admitted the rewards could prove a great psychological boost.

Pool had Chris Westwood, Graeme Lee, Ritchie Humphreys and Mark Tinkler named in the PFA Division Three team of the season, and ahead of Saturday's title-decider at Rushden the Pool boss couldn't be happier.

"It's a brilliant achievement for the lads,'' admitted Newell. "It is recognition for the season they have had.

"To get four players selected is almost unheard of, but I'm sure more of our lads could have been in it. Some others will have got votes, but just not enough to be in the team.''

Championship rivals Rushden had two in the XI - Paul Underwood and Paul Hall - and Newell confessed: "As well as being a big honour for the club, it is another way of giving us a little lift for Saturday.

"We had a big boost with the performance against Shrewsbury.

"The players were back in training yesterday afternoon on their return from London. "It's nothing strenuous, all we wanted to do was get them back, make sure they are all OK and start the preparations for Saturday.''

Newell and right-hand man Kevin Sheedy are planning to take the squad away on Thursday.

"The players are very confident, they want to win the league, it's as simple as that,'' he added. "There is a real determination among them all. Some people had written us off a couple of weeks ago.''

Newell has released James Sharp on a free transfer. The big defender took the club's player of the year award in his first season as a professional, but has hardly featured in the last two seasons.

"It's unfortunate, but the two lads in front of him have been playing so well you cannot even think of not playing them,'' admitted Newell.

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