GORDON Watson last night spoke of the 'unfinished business' that convinced him to stay on for another season at Hartlepool United.

The 31-year-old signed a new one-year deal at Victoria Park in the summer, despite receiving offers from clubs both at home and abroad.

But Watson, who scored 18 goals during the last campaign, admitted it was the opportunity to help Pool win promotion that is driving him on.

And the striker, who was part of the side which lost out on penalties in the play-offs to Cheltenham in April, was also full of praise for the man who eventually got him to stay - manager Chris Turner.

"I suppose after the disappointment at Cheltenham I wanted this club to go up this time," said Watson, who scored his first two goals of the new season against Boston on Tuesday.

"Last year we should have gone up anyway because this team here is far superior to anything else in the League.

"I wanted to stay because you can't beat coming to work when you like the people you are working with. They are absolutely tops. The gaffer is one of the most thorough, professional individuals I have ever worked with.

"And he has a good team here both on and off the pitch - from the players to the coaching staff."

Watson is now at his sixth club, after spells in the higher leagues with Charlton, Southampton, Sheffield Wednesday, Bradford and Bournemouth.

But the former England under-21 international is convinced that Pool - currently top of the league by two points after two matches - have the best team spirit he has ever been involved in.

"My teammates are great," he said. "When we walked out of the dressing-room on Saturday (at Carlisle) the shout was 'you can feel the love in the tunnel', that is what we are like together, we all love each other and it's great.

"We are a team of 23 and you can't split us; there are no weak links.

"It doesn't matter who goes out there, who scores, who plays well - we are a squad of 23.

"This is the best I have ever felt as part of a team, it's tremendous."

After his brace in the 2-0 win over the Pilgrims on Tuesday, Watson was given a standing ovation by many sections of the 4,841 Victoria Park crowd.

And the experienced front-man said: "The fans thought I was here for the gravy train when I first came. But after a couple of games they could see I wanted to score goals. I want more now and I'm pleased they like it."

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