MIKE NEWELL last night insisted Hartlepool United's players are focused on their championship dream.

Pool have seen a 14-point lead drift away in recent weeks, but know a win at Rushden on Saturday would see them crowned Division Three champions.

And after receiving a further boost on Sunday when four Pool players were named in the PFA Division Three team of the season, the Pool boss admitted: "The lads are buzzing, really confident and determined.

"We had them in training when they got back from London and today. They are off on Wednesday and we go down on Thursday.

"We want to take them away from the town and stop them getting carried away with things. We will do it right and train properly in a good environment.''

Tommy Widdrington has yet to train after suffering a calf strain in the draw with Rochdale on Easter Monday.

He's likely to miss out on Saturday and that could see Darrell Clarke keep his place in central midfield.

Clarke has spent this season on the right wing, but was man of the match in the win over Shrewsbury in his preferred role.

"We've got options,'' admitted Newell. "And Clarky in the middle is one of them.

"I suppose he's been badgering me since I came here that he is a central midfielder, but he's spent all the time out on the right.

"He's done well out wide and has helped us fill a potential problem position.''

Newell has already indicated he wants a mobile midfield in the Second Division next season - and Clarke fits the bill.

Clarke arrived at Pool from Mansfield almost two years ago with a reputation as a box to box central midfielder and Newell admitted: "You could see on Saturday that he was confident in that role.

"He is a clever footballer and he made things happen.

"He makes the runs and helps to open things up. He played a great ball in for the first goal - he was very composed and didn't panic when the opportunity came along.''

Leading scorer Eifion Williams was replaced on Saturday after suffering a knock, but has trained and will be fit for the title decider.

Newell has been under fire from fans after seeing the lead disappear and his notes in the match programme for Saturday's win over Shrewsbury sent a clear message to supporters.

"People were suspicious of my appointment from the word go and the knives and poisoned pens were out after a couple of weeks,'' he wrote. "I have broad shoulders and I will take anything people want to throw at me, but don't question my passion or committment to the club.''

And he later admitted: "Sometimes it is difficult to write things, but this was easy. It was straight from the heart.

"We were happy with the crowd and their response on Saturday, but it should be like that anyway. I should not have to ask.''

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