Hartlepool: Boss Hignett says 'it's a weird transfer window in January'

The Hartlepool United boss, who takes his side to Crawley today, has already sold Jake Carroll and Toto Nsiala this month.

He’s landed Sean Kavanagh on loan from Fulham, and Bradley Fewster looks set to return to Pools on loan from Middlesbrough.

Gary Liddle, who Pools were keen on bringing back to the club, yesterday signed for Carlisle from Chesterfield

Loan deals are more likely than permanent transfers this month.

Hignett said: “I don't have a number in mind, a lot depends on the outgoings. We have lost Toto and Jake and have brought Sean in, who is cover for Jake really.

“We are actively looking for a centre-half, I am actively looking for a striker.

“But saying that January is a window where you either get people who others don't want or people who are coming to the end of their contracts. January is a weird window.

“The chairman has been fine when I have asked him about anything.’’

And the manager admits there may yet be more to come than the two exits so far.

“I have got a lot of people who are willing to help us, but I have to be careful because you are only allowed five loans,’’ he mused.

“We have Sean here and possibly a deal for Brad Fewster when he is fit. There is two gone already.

We are looking at another one who may well come in as cover, so there’s three.

“We want a striker - if one is available permanent then we will look at it otherwise we look at a loan.

“There might be more outgoings than the two we have seen so far.

Hignett and Pools are seeking an old head in midfield, someone to add some bite to a unit lacking in physical strength and attitude.

“We can look, but you don't loan experience,’’ added the manager. “You just don't get good experienced players on loan.

“We are looking. We know what we need but we have to work within our means.

“Realistically we are looking at loans. We are not the only club like that, others are doing it too.

“The hard bit is finding the men among the young players available.

“The last thing you want is to bring in a loan player, especially the way they are now, who just isn't up to the job.

“You need players who have an idea what it is like to play at this level.’’

Of the chances of signing a player permanently, Hignett added: “If someone comes up that we like then all I can do is go and ask.

“It is then up to the chairman and the people who own the club to decide whether we can afford it.

“If we can then I am sure we will do something. If we can't then we won't.’’

Pools face Crawley today, before Stevenage and Newport are next on the fixture list.

The Pools boss has long wanted his side to produce a consistent run of positive results and is still seeking the lift.

Hignett added: “Crawley are just above us and we are in a run of win one, draw one, lose one right now.

“It’s frustrating. Win a few on the bounce and it rockets you up the table and we want that. We want something positive to play for. It’s not just down to the players who go out there to do that.

“We want consistency, we want to win games. When Crawley played here they were very good, played good stuff and we drew.

“I don’t get too worried about how other teams play, I look at us and what we do. The teams who put a run together are the most consistent and they may not be the best, but they know how to win games and put a positive run together.

“The best teams in the league are the most consistent tin their performances.’’