RONNIE MOORE is eyeing up a change of system for Hartlepool United.

The Pools boss is an advocate of playing 4-4-2, and used that formation at the weekend as he won his first game in charge, with Pools seeing off Cheltenham 2-0.

But, as he seeks a couple of extra loan signings ahead of back to back away games at Shrewsbury and then Tranmere, Moore is also open to altering the set-up of his team.

While young centre-halves Scott Harrison and Dan Jones were stand-out performers at the weekend, Moore is still seeking some experience in the middle of his defence.

And that could mean fielding three at the back for the trip to the Shrews this Saturday.

“We are looking for the weekend, always a chance,’’ he said. “We have been waiting and if I gave you the list of players, how big it is..... it would fill a table. We are up against it, but you keep looking, asking, trying to get an experienced striker.

“Clubs won’t release players until they have someone to replace them.’’

And Moore added: “We want to change the system and the right players, 3-5-2 or 3-4-3 is good at this level and other teams play it.

“At the moment, 4-4-2 the full backs don’t want to defend and it puts us under pressure. Another system puts the full backs pressing on and gets them in the comfort zone. It’s not their fault, they haven’t been taught how to defend.’’

Referring to left back Darren Holden and right back Michael Duckworth, he added: “It’s the donkey and the carrot – put the carrot in front and it will run all day but not the other way. It’s down to the coaching they have had in the past which hasn’t been good enough. So it’s wrong to say they can’t defend, they’ve not been taught how to.

“Make sure we get them back in the afternoons to teach them how to defend and play in a back four, they will appreciate it and be better players for it. Both are quick both like to get forward and both can improve their crossing in those areas.

“There’s a lot to work on, but they are exciting going forward and can play that way. I’m not against 3-4-3, I’ve won promotions that way.

“With the right three up top, they can be a handful. Playing 3-5-2 you need a holding midfielder for balance.’’

With three loanees already in his ranks, Moore added: “We need five loans in, we already had three.

“We are talking about needing full backs, and a holding midfielder and wingers and a striker - it all adds up!

“You have got a figure who is the best to come in.

“We need a striker, without doubt because we are well short there.

“If you want to play three at the back we need to bring in an experienced centre half.

“If you want to play 4-4-2 it is finding full-backs who can defend, or wingers with a bit of pace that can excite people.

“It is difficult balancing all the balls when you can only add five new faces when we probably need eight new faces.”

Pools reserves play at Billingham Town today against Hull City (2pm). Marlon Harewood is over his three-game suspension and he could start along with Matthew Bates and Brad Walker.