ANDREW Jordan's first game in a Hartlepool United shirt didn't exactly go as planned.

Jordan, one of a possible five making their debut for Pool at Peterborough this afternoon, had his first outing in last week's friendly with Newcastle.

And after a 6-0 thumping, question marks were already being raised about Pool's newest central defender.

"As soon as I walked off the chief executive was asking if the ink was dry on my contract,'' he quipped.

The serious stuff starts in division two this afternoon at London Road and Jordan admitted: "What a way to start, against Newcastle. I played against Sunderland and Leeds for York pre-season, but Newcastle were something else - all quality players.

"Thankfully we are not going to face sides like that every week.

"But we will learn from that game. Playing against the best magnifies your mistakes.''

Jordan headed down the A1 yesterday with his new teammates, a group further bolstered by the signing of Gavin Strachan, Neale Cooper's fifth summer recruit.

Jordan, who signed nine days ago after catching Pool's eye while on trial at York following his release from Cardiff, added: "It's always hard making your debut for a new team. I trained with the lads on the Thursday and played on the Friday.

"Now I've had a week to get to know them. They are all really good lads here. I played here for Cardiff a couple of years ago and the same season played for Cardiff when we won 3-2 - Hartlepool went in front in the 90th minute and then we scored twice.

"The stadium and pitch here are quality. I know Gavin Strachan and I got to know Paul Robinson very well because we had our medicals together!

"Apart from that, I only know the odd player I came up against.''

Jordan, who is likely to be alongside fellow new boy Micky Nelson in the middle of the defence today, added: "I've had a good pre-season. Against Sunderland we lost 5-0, drew 1-1 with Leeds and beat Scarborough. I've had four full games which is great.

"But everything has to be geared for Peterborough. I've played in the second division and there's a lot of big clubs in the division - but that doesn't matter to me. We are confident we will do alright in the new division.''

Jordan's father, Joe, made a name for himself at the highest level and he is now helping his son make his way in the game.

"I think my dad knew about this move before I did,'' he admitted. "He represents me. I did OK against Leeds and I think a phone call was made then.

"It all happened quite quickly - I want to play at the highest level I can and I can't wait to get started.''

In Cooper, Pool also have a manager making his bow today and he said: "It's all new for us, but we have to put on a good show.''

* Millwall manager Mark McGhee will ask for water breaks against Wigan at the New Den today to protect his players from heat-stroke and dehydration.

With temperatures set to soar again this weekend, McGhee wants permission from the match referee to allow players the chance to take on water.

The Lions have been advised by a nutritionist to consume 200 bottles between them, and their substitutes will all be wearing caps in the dug-out to protect against the sun.

McGhee said: ''We're only talking about having a quick drink of water and then playing on."

Read more about Hartlepool here.