DAVE CHALLINOR is going for broke in his quest for title success at Hartlepool United.
The Pools chief has boosted his side’s squad ahead of the National League run-in by landing Brad James, Zaine Francis-Angol and Harvey Saunders in a triple deadline-day swoop.
Left-sided Francis-Angol left Boreham Wood this week and teams up with his former AFC Fylde boss Challinor, with whom he reached the National League play-off final and won the FA Trophy in 2018-19.
He has also turned out for Scottish club Motherwell, Kidderminster Harriers and Accrington Stanley.
Challinor, whose side’s scheduled game with Weymouth yesterday was put back until the final day of the season on May 29, said: “Zaine is someone I know well and have worked with before. He’s been part of two playoff campaigns with me previously and has experienced high-pressure games. He gives us options down that left-hand side and his pace, power and quality will really add to the squad.”
Joining Francis-Angol through the door at Victoria Park is striker Saunders, who has moved on loan from League One Fleetwood Town.
Saunders started at Northern League club Durham City before joining Darlington in January 2017.
Well known for his electric pace and calm finishing, Saunders was then snapped up by then Fleetwood boss Joey Barton in January 2019.
Completing the trio is James, who eases Challinor’s goalkeeper crisis with regular No.1 Ben Killip out for the rest of the season.
Young Middlesbrough keeper James has loan experience at Gateshead and Aldershot and Challinor says the 21-year-old is a “great fit” for the National League promotion chasers.
