Chris Turner was today delighted to be able to add right-back Neil Austin to his squad for the upcoming 2009/10 campaign.

Turner has been working tirelessly to add to his squad and the arrival of Austin is a welcome one for Turner,

"Neil's fellow professionals in League Two voted him as the best right-back in the division and I don't think you could get higher praise than that," Turner told us.

"The position caused us a lot of problems last season - Tony Sweeney did an excellent job considering he is not a right-back but we are pleased to now sign a recognised right back.

"Neil has great qualities looking at his pedigree - he played in the promotion side at Barnsley in League One so he has experience in this division.

"He will be a great addition to the squad."

And when questioned on what his focus has been in this season's transfer market, the Director of Sport reveals he's had a broad scope in his search,

"I have been looking at all positions really - our goals against column last season was horrendous. We gave away some bad goals last season that were due to downright bad defending and bad basics.

"It is important now that we build from the back and having a solid back four and goalkeeper.

"That is why we have brought in the players we have - we are filling the holes we have had.

"I am confident we will have much a better season next season starting from the back."

Turner has no doubts that the Pools fans will take to the 26-year-old quickly, despite his two years service to the Quakers.

"Well I know Neil came from our local rivals just up the road but I will bring any players in to the Club if they have the quality.

"We don't mind taking quality players from them - and with this signing we've taken their best player and brought him to Hartlepool."