GOAL-HERO Paul Arnison believes Hartlepool United can win the title next season and avoid another Third Division play-off heartache.

Arnison, the scorer of Pool's only goal at Cheltenham on Tuesday night, is out of contract in the summer and is yet to be offered a new deal by manager Chris Turner. However, the 24-year-old is convinced that Turner's men are good enough to win promotion as champions next season and he would love to be a part of it.

"This squad of players is capable of winning the Third Division," said Arnison. "I think we should have finished in the top three this season.

"The only reason why we never went up was because of the poor start we had. But we had signed quite a few new players and it took a little time for us all to gel.

"We are already looking to August now and I think we should not be looking to finish in a play-off place; this team should go for the title and I want to be a part of it."

Arnison missed the first leg of the play-off with Cheltenham, despite deputising for Michael Barron at right-back while the skipper was injured.

And Arnison admitted that when he was recalled to the starting line-up at Whaddon Road he was determined to help Pool reach Cardiff's Millennium Stadium for the first time.

But the former Newcastle United reserve team captain, who turned in a starring role against the Robins, was left dejected along with the rest of his teammates as Cheltenham won a dramatic penalty shoot-out.

"I was up for the game," he said knowing that Pool had missed out on a play-off final for the third successive year. "When I was left out of the first leg, when Micky was fit, I was frustrated.

"And when the gaffer named the team on Tuesday morning I was delighted and I wanted to just go out there and do my best to get us up.

"I would like to think I played my part, as did all of the team, but unfortunately the penalties killed us."

And Arnison sympathised with midfielder Ritchie Humphreys, whose missed spot-kick meant Cheltenham progressed to Cardiff where they face Rushden & Diamonds.

"I know Ritchie is gutted and I feel really so sorry for him because he has been magnificent this season," said Arnison, who was one of the Pool players who scored a penalty.

"It's just heartbreaking and I know what he must be going through but he has to just keep his head up.

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