MARTIN Scott wants to follow the Hull City blueprint to plot a route out of League One and into the Championship next season.

The recently-appointed Hartlepool United boss has made two new signings in recent days, with Cardiff's Lee Bullock and Wrexham's Chris Llewellyn moving to Victoria Park.

Only Chris Westwood and temporary signing Steve Howey have departed from last season's squad - Jack Ross won't play for the club again after walking out on Pool last season.

And Scott is satisfied with the way his squad is shaping up ahead of next week's trip to Holland, where Pool will start their pre-season programme with games against Top Oss and Den Bosch.

"We have plenty of options within the squad,'' said Scott. "It's taking place, in my opinion, nicely. We've a lot of competition for places.

"Last season we had a lot of lads playing in just about every game and our season went from pre-season in July to the very end of May.

"I remember Hull towards the end of the season, they won 3-1 at Tranmere on the Saturday, then they played us on the Tuesday night and made five changes.

"Even after a big result like that at Tranmere, they could still make changes and freshen things up against another team who were pushing at the top of the table.

"It's nice to be in that situation and have the confidence in your players to do that.''

Scott has a welter of options in midfield and attack and is also seeking cover in defence after Westwood's departure.

Striker Joel Porter will miss next week's tour after undergoing knee surgery last week. He will be out for up to four weeks after an operation to cure cartilage problem.

Meanwhile, Wrexham chief Denis Smith admits losing Welsh international Llewellyn was not on his agenda this summer.

The Dragons have been suffering financially and Smith has suffered an exodus of players from the Racecourse Ground.

But the ex-Sunderland chief said: "Relegation was a factor in Chris Llewellyn's decision to seek a move. He's the last person I wanted to lose, but if he went to the end of his contract next year he's another who would walk away on a free. With his career in mind the lad wanted a move and he's done very well for me.

"Wrexham are be better off financially - we won't be paying his salary, which was one of the better ones at the club.

"Having said that, I firmly believe he earned every penny of it.''

l Joey Hutchinson has suffered a fresh injury setback after the Darlington defender was ruled out for up to a fortnight with a calf strain.

Despite recovering from a serious knee injury which restricted him to just nine starts last season, Hutchinson is facing more time on the sidelines after suffering a recurrence of a problem first suffered 12 months ago.

Hutchinson was yesterday receiving treatment in Scotland where Quakers are training until Thursday.

Hutchinson recently resumed full training after recovering from a cruciate knee ligament damage, although the injuries are not connected.

Midfielder Clark Keltie is recovering from cruciate knee ligament damage and is due to return in mid-August, while Brian Close is almost certain to miss the beginning of the season with an ankle injury.

Former Middlesbrough defender Alan Harrison has resumed full training after a broken leg and will be hoping to earn a permanent deal with Quakers - 12 months after initially joining on trial.

Craig Hignett is on the verge of signing for Cypriot side AEL Limassol.

The 35-year-old is close to agreeing terms on a one-year deal after his Quakers deal expired at the end of last season.

Hignett, who scored nine goals in 17 starts for Quakers, was keen to remain at the Williamson Motors Stadium after signalling his intention to play on for another year.

But, after being snubbed by Hodgson, Hignett is set to end his playing days in Cyprus.

Boston have signed former Leeds striker Julian Joachim. He will form a strikforce with ex-Middlesbrough and Leeds man Noel Whelan.

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