Dave Challinor on the data that shows new loan signings made a BIG difference for Hartlepool United in Stockport County win
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Although Challinor has favoured a back four for the majority of his spell in charge at Pools, that hasn’t stopped him prompting his full-backs to get forward and attack.
United signed Macauley Southam-Hales and Timi Odusina ahead of Saturday’s 2-0 win over Stockport County.
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Hide AdThe pair played the full 90 minutes to help Hartlepool keep their first clean sheet of 2020, ending a run of eight matches without a shutout.
The decision to start two young loan signings in defence could have been seen as a risk by the Pools boss, but it’s one that certainly paid off come full-time.
“There’s always going to be some risk,” Challinor admitted.
“There’s a risk with taking lads on loan but the two we’ve brought in and the rest we’ve brought in have been really, really good.
“Recruitment-wise it’s a box ticked.
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Hide Ad“It’s always a risk bringing people in at the back because people take time to know each other’s games and I think that will only do them the world of good to be able to move forward knowing that a new back four that has been put together in a few days has got a clean sheet and the full-backs especially were a massive threat.”
Full-backs Southam-Hales and Mark Kitching are two players Challinor feels can play a crucial role in the side moving forward.
And Odusina’s introduction at centre-back will also play a role in their effectiveness.
“Timi isn’t your typical centre-half in this division but he’s really quick and allows us to defend high up,” added the Hartlepool manager.
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Hide Ad“Because of that you’ll the the best out of Kitch for example because he won’t have to be as defensive minded because of Timi’s athleticism and pace.
“As a result, the data has shown us that our full-backs covered the most distance on Saturday and did the most high intensity running during the game.
“That’s what I want to see because that’s their game and it allows them to be as effective as possible in matches.”