Sarll, who was appointed at the end of last month, is set for a busy summer as he looks to build a squad capable of challenging for promotion next season.
The former Stevenage, Yeovil and Woking boss will need to bring both quality and quantity to the North East – after releasing nine players, Pools have just 12 players under contract, two of whom have been made available for transfer, while the club are working on deals to keep experienced pair David Ferguson and Nicky Featherstone at the Suit Direct Stadium.
Sarll will be looking to inject some vigour and enthusiasm into a Pools team that was at times a little slow and one-paced during the previous season. Sarll’s teams are known for an aggressive, high-intensity style of play.
And the 41-year-old is targetting players with the characteristics to allow him to implement his own front foot approach next season.
“When you’re in football management, I don’t think you can ever not stay abreast of what the trading market is telling you,” he stated.
“In certain years, there may be one right winger and a thousand left backs, therefore that winger’s worth increases relative to the thousand left backs.
My duty and the board’s job is to know that market.
“My troops must always be quick, aggressive, and physically fit.”We must have the desire to go face opponents and win possession of the ball.”It’s crucial, in my opinion, to try and fit those player profiles with guys who can support Hartlepool.
Speaking to the board, I believe that’s a really good move and that it’s probably a difference from the previous several years.
“This is Hartlepool United, not Darren Sarll FC, and my goal is to perform at the highest level for the team.
It’s a drawn-out process in terms of targets. All we’re doing is attempting to get things moving.”
Sarll will collaborate with several people, most likely chief scout Ronnie Moore and head of football Joe Monks, to make “club signings”.
He continued: “I think the club would definitely prefer to go down a route – and I agree with this – where these are club signings, when a ground of people that are experienced and educated can all sit down like big boys and talk openly about what the best player, and the best fit for this club, looks like.”
