Striking Seasiders

Goals scored = 29
Strikers used = 8
Loan strikers used = 3 – Paul Dickov (7), Grant Holt (4), Bart Slusarski (4)
Top scorer = Ben Burgess (10)
Most appearances = Ben Burgess (25)

Ben Burgess finished as the club`s top scorer with 10 goals illustrating the lack of a proven goalscorer capable of netting 15 – 20 goals a season.

Burgess battled well in most games he played and when he did put himself about he caused most defences plenty of problems. I think he is capable of scoring more goals and that he something he must improve upon as well as his link up play for next season.

We await a decision on whether Andy Morrell signs on for another season at the seaside. He struggled to keep up with the demands of being a Championship striker. That said, he contributed a few useful goals at the start of the season and no-one could ever question his desire and work ethic. He has proved to be a great signing by Grayson and could yet play a part next season.

January signing Stephen McPhee has made a great impression on the Pool faithful. A clever, strong and quick striker with an eye for the goal, McPhee has the same work ethic as Morrell. I fancy him to add lots more goals to the side next year.

But the defining signing of the season had to be Paul Dickov. Six goals including sublime strikes against Hull and Sheffield Wednesday not to mention a last minute winner against his former club Leicester on his debut. Dickov has more than proved himself capable at this level and it is to be hoped that the club offer the wee Scot a contract with the club that is too good to refuse.

The less said about Keigan Parker`s season the better. Parker went from hero to zero and it will be interesting to see how his career develops from here.

A couple of new strikers must be on Simon Grayson`s wanted list to ensure Pool have the fire power to survive in the Championship for a second successive season.