Hartlepool United players make PFA Team

By Albatross
April 28 2003

There were more reasons to celebrate at Pools after last night's announcement of the PFA Division Three team for 2002/3 included no less than FOUR Hartlepool United players.

The four players in question are Graeme Lee, Chris Westwood, Ritchie Humphreys and Mark Tinkler. No real surprise in some ways, as these four - along with Eifion Williams - have been the players who have consistently caught the eye this season.

The partnership at the back of Lee and Westwood has had a huge role to play in our success. They have developed a great understanding, and the combination of Lee's aerial presence and Westwood's pace and ability to read the game has worked very well indeed. They have been part of a defensive unit that helped Pools win no less than five away games 1-0, and have helped us to a clean sheet on 15 occasions in total.

Mark Tinkler has proved himself to be one of the most complete midfielders in the division. Originally signed to act as the holding player, since the departure of Tommy Miller he has been allowed to show us a whole new side to his game. A real box to box player now, he has the knack of turning up at the right time and has scored 13 goals to be our second highest scorer - a more than respectable return from any midfielder.

Ritchie Humphreys has of course been a man on a mission all season. Especially when playing out wide, his combination of great skill and commitment has caused trouble for many teams this season, and he has also weighed in with 11 goals. His efforts have already seen him pick up the Supporters Player of the Season award, and now he has been recognised by his fellow professionals.

Importantly for next season, Humphreys, Tinkler and Westwood have already signed extended contracts that will keep them at the club until 2004/5. All look destined to have a big part to play. The only one whose future remains uncertain is Graeme Lee: Spike's contract is up in the Summer, and his failure to sign a new deal yet has lead to plenty of speculation that he's going to be leaving the club in the near future. No doubt all will be revealed once the season is over.

The full PFA Team is as follows:
Alan Fettis (Hull/York)
Carlos Edwards (Wrexham)
Graeme Lee (Pools)
Chris Westwood (Pools)
Paul Underwood (Rushden)
Ritchie Humphreys (Pools)
Mark Tinkler (Pools)
Paul Hall (Rushden)
Alex Russell (Torquay)
Andy Morrell (Wrexham)
Dave Kitson (Cambridge)