CHRIS WESTWOOD is finding his feet quite happily with his new partners.

Following the break-up of his almost telepathic partnership with Graeme Lee during the summer, Hartlepool United's Mr Consistent has new faces to work with.

The Northern Echo Player of the Year has carried on his outstanding form this season, as Pool and Westwood have taken quickly to Division Two.

Lee and Westwood were the lynchpins of Pool's successes of recent years, the pairing recognised last season as the best in the division when they were both named in the PFA Team of the Season.

But when Lee left Pool for Sheffield Wednesday, Westwood is now alongside Micky Nelson and Andrew Jordan in the back line.

Today they face their sternest test when Pool go to Bristol City and Westwood admitted: "I think at the back we have done quite well so far, especially because I hadn't played with Nelse much in pre-season.

"Then Andy Jordan came in on the left side and played against Newcastle and I wasn't involved in that, so the first time I played with them was in the game at Peterborough a couple of weeks ago.

"It takes some time to get an understanding with people, but it is coming together now.

"No matter which team you play for or players you play with, the game stays the same.''

Lee and Westwood were on opposite sides ten days ago when Pool knocked Wednesday out of the Carling Cup.

"I played with Spike for a long time and we knew each other's game inside out,'' he said. "It was quite weird when we played against him at Sheffield Wednesday.

"It was so strange seeing him coming out against us - and of course he had to score!

"It's one of those things which happens. We didn't speak much during the game, it was just when he got booked.

"I was saying to him 'stay on your feet, I've told you before and I'll say it again - stay on your feet in the tackle' and he just laughed back.

"But we had the last laugh on penalties. Playing there, at a stadium like Hillsborough, is unbelievable, but they have just come down and are in the same division as us now. Why should we fear going there?

"And by winning it sends out the message to people that we deserve some respect.''

Opposition strikers are fast learning to respect Westwood, the former Wolves defender who moved to Pool in 1999 and has been a regular since.

Boss Neale Cooper has shown he is not afraid to change systems at the drop of a hat - changing from a three and four-man defence at regular intervals.

Former boss Mike Newell was accused of not being flexible enough with tactics towards the end of last season when Pool missed out on the title.

And Westwood admitted: "It's certainly different for us at the back so far!

"We've played in a three-man and a four-man defence, I've played in the middle, as sweeper and at right back.

"But that can be brilliant in some ways, being able to change system quickly.

"We've got the right players to do it who can slot into place without causing too much disruption.''

Pool drew with Tranmere last week, as Pool started with three at the back then changed to a flat back four.

He added: "Last week was a very entertaining game. We've had a tough start to the season, but it's been a good one for us as well. We might have surprised a few people already.

"I think the difference is that players are that little bit sharper than before, especially the midfielders.

"You find that they know what they are going to do with the ball before it comes to them and, especially at the back, you have to be on your toes all the time.''

Pool will be on their toes this afternoon against title-favourites Bristol City.

Pool will be without Eifion Williams after he suffered a knock last week.

That means Marco Gabbiadini is poised for his first start after an impressive appearance as substitute last week - he almost scored just three minutes after his introduction.

Boss Cooper had left him out of the opening games, citing a lack of fitness, but the summer signing is ready to go this afternoon.

"I'm fit and ready,'' he said. "It's difficult when you get to my age, you have to try to look after yourself a bit more.

"I think the manager expects me to be firing on all cylinders and I'll be trying to do that for him.

"What we have shown so far this season has been tremendous against three difficult sides."

* Pool striker Marcus Richardson has joined Lincoln on loan for a month.

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