IN-DEMAND Hartlepool United midfielder Tommy Miller last night arrived back on home turf.

Miller landed back at Newcastle Airport after spending time training with Brann Bergen.

His Hartlepool United teammates started their pre-season campaign on Thursday, but Miller started a week early with the Norwegians.

But whether he starts the season at Pool remains to be seen with a host of clubs - Ipswich, Crewe and Wigan lead the way - ready to make their moves.

Pool boss Chris Turner will have Miller in for talks next week, with a move the most likely outcome.

Brann announced on Thursday night that they wouldn't be trying to turn Miller's training stint into a permanent move ahead of their bid to progress into the group stages of the Champions League.

But a Brann source revealed: "The club had announced that they won't be keeping Tommy because they said he wouldn't improve the team - but we know that there is no money to spend and by allowing him to go back to Hartlepool, the club will not anger the fans.

"Supporters know all about Tommy Miller and wanted to see him play in a Brann shirt, but this is the club's way of avoiding the money issue.''

Pool returned to training on Thursday and Turner said: "They are all fully fit and raring to go.

"They've all followed their personal fitness programmes during the break and look in top condition.

"They will be training morning and afternoons for a while.

"No-one really enjoys the first few days back, but the days of players piling on the weight during the close season are long gone - certainly at this club.''

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