MARTIN Scott is hoping the Sunderland effect will rub off on his Hartlepool United side, after increasing his old boys network to six at Victoria Park.

Darren Williams became the sixth ex-Sunderland player on the Pool staff after moving from Cardiff on a free transfer.

The 28-year old made 240 appearances for the Black Cats in eight years before moving to south Wales last September.

And Scott, who played alongside his fourth summer signing during his playing days on Wearside, insists that Middlesbrough-born Williams hasn't returned to the North-East only for sentimental reasons.

"I thought it was important that when Chris Westwood made his decision to move we could fill the gap,'' he said.

"We've got players at the club who can play there, but we were still left a little short. We wanted to bring quality in to replace quality and we've done that.

"I think he is very similar to Westy in that he's got the aggression and the strength that will hopefully repeat the partnership him and Micky Nelson had.''

Scott reiterated that over the last two years that when his central defenders played well, the team did.

And, after witnessing first hand how Williams can play in the middle of the back four, he is sure that theory will continue for next season's assault on League One.

"I was at Sunderland at the time and I can remember how he broke into the side - he and Jody Craddock made a great partnership in the middle of the back four.

"If he can form that sort of partnership with Nelse, then it's brilliant for everyone.

"But also, he's played left back, right back, and a holding role in midfield, so he's very versatile as well.

"He's not very old - he's only 28 - and he's played all his football in the Championship and Premiership. I think that shows he's not come here just to see his career out, he has come to this club to be successful.

"Yes, he's a North-East lad with family up here, but he wanted to come to Hartlepool United because he can see what we have got going here and wants to be part of it.''

Williams will make his debut against Middlesbrough at Victoria Park tonight.

Fellow new boys Chris Llewellyn, Michael Proctor and Lee Bullock will also be involved.

"It will be a good test and a good game for us,'' said Scott. "We've had two games in Holland and we will keep the players right during training.

"We'll have an 18 man squad and it will give the fans a chance to see the new boys.''

A young Pool side last night lost 2-1 at Billingham Town. Pool included only first year professionals and scholars.

David Foley scored Pool's only goal with a fine solo effort, while ex-Pool trainee Stephen Flockett was on target for the Northern League side.

Read more about Hartlepool here.