Cooper in no rush to make signings (From The Northern Echo)

Cooper in no rush to make signings

8:00am Wednesday 8th February 2012 in Hartlepool United News By Nick Loughlin

NEALE Cooper isn't in a rush to make any new signings at Hartlepool United - he feels his players are proving they don't necessarily need any additions.

After four games without loss, Pools take on Bournemouth at Victoria Park at the weekend in confident mood.

They are playing with smiles on their faces and, with attackers James Brown and Colin Nish getting back to fitness and form after injury, Cooper has some grace in his search.

They put four past Carlisle last time out, but the way Pools are performing has eased the recruitment pressure.

"There's talk about still looking for a striker, but I said to the players 'make my job difficult' because there's not many who would improve that team right now,'' he said. "We are looking, but wait a minute...

"There's pressure on the front boys to keep performing. We had a few ideas, I've looked at matches, read reports and I'm not excited. What's there has to be the right person. Why go and get someone in who wouldn't get in this team?

"I've had emails in from plenty and had players in training with us, but they aren't the answer at the moment.

"But I want them to come and meet the players, not to take anyone blind. I want them in to look at, within two or three days I can sense if they fit in here.''

Cooper has improved the sprits and performances of his charges in recent weeks and the boss has seen the rewards of his man-management.

"I've spoke personally to them all, some need that and that's my nature - as a person I think it's important to speak one on one, be it Sam (Collins) or the younger lads,'' he said.

"We all want to do well and collectively they look after each other on the pitch and I love seeing that. Whoever is playing in front of Neil Austin drops back and supports him, Neil Austin gets up to support Andy Monkhouse. If James Brown is in front of Evan (Horwood) he does the same, Paul Murray sits in midfield and has been excellent.''

And he had praise for one of the players who was a key performer during his last spell in charge and who remains an integral part of the side.

"Antony Sweeney has been fantastic of late, up there for me in the last two games, the energy levels are immense,'' he said. "Against Carlisle he started forward, ended wide right and did it excellent.

"He comes in training every day with a smile on his face and I love that. I know its not always like that, that's life, but it's a happy place to work.''