JACK Ross, absent without leave at Hartlepool United, has launched a furious attack on the club and manager Neale Cooper - and is adamant he won't be returning.

Ross, sidelined with ankle ligament damage since February, insists he will quit the professional game if Pool don't allow him to find a new club in Scotland.

The defender moved to Pool from Clyde last summer on a free transfer, but failed to settle in the North-East.

Last November, Ross announced he wanted to return home during January's transfer window, citing homesickness.

But both the player and club agreed he would stay at Victoria Park and the situation would be reviewed in the summer.

However, Ross, who is believed to have been AWOL for three weeks, has decided to speak out.

He blasted: "Hartlepool could be playing in the Championship next season, but I wouldn't go back even if they were in the Champions League.

"Maybe the manager thinks I have let him down but that's nothing compared with how I feel about him.

"I was homesick and told the club to rip up my deal but they keep messing me around. They are paying me a good salary but I don't want their money.

"I'd have thought the manager would be supportive but I've only had one 45-second call from him in three weeks and that was when he wanted somebody's phone number. It's not sympathy I'm looking for but a resolution and if I have to go and find work outside the game I will.''

Ross is getting married in Scotland this summer and his fiance soon returned home after moving to Houghton-le-Spring after Ross completed his move.

He made his return from injury in the reserves at Barnsley on March 23, but has not been part of a Pool squad since.

Falkirk were keen on his signature in January and now his agent, former Grimsby and Rangers striker Kevin Drinkell, has called on Pool to find an end to the row that will suit all parties.

"It's a shame it has come to his,'' he said.

"It's no secret he wants to return home, but the club have deliberated and we've tried to reach a conclusion. The club said they would come back one week later, but nothing happened.

"Jack has made a big sacrifice in moving to Hartlepool. I think he has tried to do things the right way, but because he has been getting nowhere, he feels speaking out is the only way.

"Maybe sometimes he has been led towards the water by the club, but he has been unable to drink it.

"At the moment there is no winner in the situation and I hope people can get around the table and sort everything out.''

Ross admitted: "I have one year left on my contract and hope to find a solution to the problem but I'm not holding my breath.

"The club keep telling me they are going to speak to the chairman but nothing ever gets done and I'm sick of it.

"It's disappointing it has come to this as I joined the club hoping to make a real go of it but I never settled.''

Pool last night refused to comment, but the club has twice taken a hard line against players wanting away this season and Ross can expect similar short shrift.

l Pool's squad will be picking up their golf clubs for the Mayfair Centre long range challenge next Tuesday at Seaton Carew.

The Challenge will consist of teams competing against each other for the best combined scores on the driving range. There will also be a beat the pro event where competitors will try to beat Andy Blythe.

The region's business leaders will be in attendance along with the Pool squad.

All money raised will be split between Hartlepool Hospice and the club's youth development fund.

Business interested in taking part, should ring 07984 677 357.