RICHARD MONEY yesterday completed a busy day of transfer dealings, as he made three signings to give his Hartlepool United squad a much-needed boost.

Following last weekend’s meek surrender in the FA Trophy to Telford, Pools go to Harrogate Town today refreshed by the arrivals of Michael Raynes, Luke Molyneux and Nicke Kamamba.

Money had hoped to be able to announce their signings on Thursday, but they were all confirmed within an hour yesterday.

All three have arrived on loan until the end of the season are expected to start in the 12.30 kick-off, which is televised on BT Sport.

Raynes, a centre-half, will add some experience to the back four after the departure of Andrew Davies. He has been at Crewe this season, but last weekend’s late substitute outing was his first appearance since September. Raynes was praised by his boss David Artell for his professionalism after that game and is out of contract in the summer.

Raynes scored against Pools in September 2016, heading home the winning goal for Carlisle in a 3-2 defeat at Brunton Park. He was a transfer target for then Pools boss Ronnie Moore four years ago.

Molyneux appeared for Gateshead against Pools on both Boxing Day and New Year’s Day before he was recalled by Sunderland and allowed back out on loan to Pools.

Kabamba moves from Havant and Waterlooville, where he has been a regular and he scored twice for his club in a 3-2 defeat at Harrogate earlier in the season.

Formerly with Portsmouth, the forward has five goals this season and has twice faced Pools for his club.

Money spoke openly on Thursday at his pre-match press conference about the need to concentrate on clubs in the North of England when it comes to recruitment. Geography plays a big part in signing players and enticing them to the North-East is often a difficult task.

The signing of London-born Kabamba is a welcome break from the mould.

Money said: “It is easier to attract players to clubs further south. Geography plays a massive factor.

“At Cambridge, sometimes you could play hardball because you knew players wanted to come.

“The North-East is a wonderful part of the country - I know, I have worked here before - but there is a perception outside the area.

“We need to try and get people here but it may cost the chairman a bit more.

“This will be a problem felt at Middlesbrough, Newcastle, you have to pay a little more to convince players to come.’’

Gateshead were fortunate to land striker Luke Armstrong from Middlesbrough in the summer and his 12 goals helped the Heed into the play-offs. He’s since gone to Accrington until the end of the season and Money feels former Pools boss Matthew Bates can’t be criticised for not taking a gamble on an unknown talent.

“In fairness to the previous manager, there is no way you could know Armstrong would do what he did at Gateshead,’’ he said. “I could imagine in his position you want tried and tested before you go for kids.

“People tend to think you can't get to where you want to get to with kids on their first loans. I tend to agree with that.

“Gateshead didn't really have much choice in the summer. It made their judgement call easy.

“We are trying to make those decisions easier this summer by doing the homework, checking their character, maybe even getting them in for a few days training between now and the summer. All of those things we are discussing.

“There is no doubt good players in this area.

“There is an element of risk with taking any young player - we have to reduce that risk as much as we can.’’

And Money is leaning on his staff for their expertise and knowledge of the game in the North-East. Chief scout Tommy Miller senior is engrained in North-East football and has been working closely with the new manager.

“Tommy knows pretty much everyone at that level - he only has to mention a name and I will go,’’ he said. “I have been to Spennymoor, Tommy was at Blyth last week, I will be going to Guiseley this week or next.

“There is a number of areas we know we need to look at.

“There are a number of young players who have left the North East and gone to Scotland - they see that as their route, enticed by the Scottish Premiership and Championship. We need to study that market.’’