HARTLEPOOL United were today set to boost their squad by signing an experienced striker.

Although manager Chris Turner refused to disclose the player, it is believed to be former Newcastle United player Tony Lormor.

The 29-year-old frontman is expected to complete his move from Mansfield Town for an undisclosed fee.

The move ends Pool manager Chris Turner's desperate search for a striker, having lost both Chris Freestone and Gary Jones in the summer.

Lormor, who started his career at Newcastle back in 1987 scoring three goals in eight league appearances, has been a consistent player at Mansfield.

At 6ft 2in tall, he is a vital weapon both in the air and on the ground, scoring regular goals and also being a provider with his aerial ability.

He scored 11 goals last season and the Ashington-born striker has also proved himself at Lincoln City, Peterborough, Chesterfield and Preston, who paid £130,000 in 1997 to take him to Deepdale.

Lormor is expected to make his debut in Saturday's opening clash of the season at Lincoln City.

lDarlington manager Gary Bennett will give three French trialists an outing at South Shields tonight.

Bennett brought in the trio, Lamine Drame, Christophe Raymond and another undisclosed palyer earlier in the week, and has been impressed by their performances in training, and subject to receiving international clearance will give them a run out against the Northern League club tonight.

Bennett stated earlier in the week that he is looking to strengthen his squad, and the French trio might fit the bill, as they can play in a variety of positions. And just like his predecessor David Hodgson, it appears that Bennett

won't be confining himself to the shores of Great Britain in his search for new faces.

"I want to see them in competitive action," said Bennett.

"From what we've seen so far, the right-back is very athletic, the centre half is a good passer of the ball, and the striker knows where the back of the net is."

However, none of them will be figuring in the season's opener at Rochdale on Saturday.

"If things go to plan, then their next game will be for the reserves at Grimsby next Wednesday," said Bennett.

"There is no way they'll be involved on Saturday. They might add a different dimension to the side, so that's something we're looking at."

Bennett is also hoping to finalise the signing of a new keeper today as cover for Andy Collett. But he will not be Chris Porter, who was at the club last season. "I'll know a little bit more today," he said.

There are still tickets left for the first game of the season at Rochdale on Saturday, which is all ticket to Darlington fans because of refurbishment work going on at Spotlands.

And tickets go on sale Thursday and Friday to season ticket holders for the Nottingham Forest game at Feethams in the Worthington Cup on August 22.

Prices are £10 and £6 in the East Stand, and £7 and £4 for concessions.The game is not all-ticket.

Meanwhile two former Darlington players could soon be finding new clubs.

Former defender Jason DeVos, who is at Dundee United, is the subject of strong interest from First Division club Sheffield Wednesday.

It is thought that Quakers are on a cut of any profit, but the deal might have to go on hold because of the resignation of Paul Sturrock, who only a fortnight ago paid out £175,000 to Quakers for Neil Heaney.

Former midfielder Phil Brumwell, who was released at the end of the season, is expected to be offered a deal by Hull City once their transfer embargo is lifted