Turner pays tribute to his -magnificent players'

Pool go into their final League game of the season against Cardiff this afternoon with a place in the play-offs in the bag.

Three points this afternoon means that Pool will stay in fourth place and have home advantage in the second leg a week on Wednesday.

Twelve months ago, Pool clinched a place in the end-of-season shake-up with a final day win at Hull that saw them finish seventh.

But this time around they have improved on last season's record and Turner said: "We couldn't ask for any more than doing better than last season and the players have been magnificent all along.

"Last year we needed to win and hope other results went our way on the final day. This time there is no pressure on us in those terms, but we want to finish fourth.

"We are in the play-offs on merit - we have been in fourth place for a long time now. We've only lost that place for one game after we lost at Orient, but bounced straight back. Last season we were in the top seven for months and it was only towards the end that we slipped out.

"Finishing fourth can make all the difference because it means we have the advantage of playing in front of our own fans in the second leg.''

Pool lost out last year when they fell to a 3-0 aggregate defeat to Darlington and Turner said: "The experience of those games can only be of benefit to us.''

This season's charge has been on the back of a 21-game unbeaten run that propelled Pool from mid-table in November to top four in March.

That run helped raise the profile of the club - this week Turner was being filmed by MUTV, Manchester United's own satellite station who are planning a feature on their former goalkeeper.

"We are not the footballing outpost that people once thought we were,'' he insisted. "Things have improved no end in the last couple of years; both on and off the pitch the club is more professional.

"Whatever happens in the next few weeks we start planning for next season straight away. We will take a look at what division we are in and see where we stand and what will make a difference.

"We've improved on last season and if we are in the same division again we have to ask what we need to turn us into a Brighton, a Cardiff or a Chesterfield and get into the top three. Mark Tinkler has come in during the season and strengthened us and James Sharp has improved our defence.''

Sharp cleaned up at the player of the year awards in midweek, lifting both the home and away awards, but he is likely to remain on the bench this afternoon as Turner sticks with Graeme Lee.

Lee has been out of action all season after cruciate ligament surgery, but since his return two games ago Pool have not conceded a goal.

"I think that defensively we have looked strong and it's nice to keep clean sheets,'' said Turner. "I don't like to change the formation or line-up when things have been going well. I said all along that if Spike plays this season it would be a bonus, but Spike needs games to build up his fitness levels.''

Cardiff jet out on their end of season holiday tomorrow and boss Alan Cork is likely to stick some of his young guns into the side.

Turner will keep Kevin Henderson on the sidelines after he suffered a groin injury last week to ensure he is available for the play-offs.

Cardiff have failed to sell their 741 allocation, after they clinched promotion last week. Around 400 tickets remained unsold last night with none on sale today.

Cleveland Police are planning a major operation to stave off the threat of violence. But fears of up to 3,000 visting fans descending on Victoria Park appear unfounded.

Turner, however, has appealed to fans to be on their best behaviour.

Last season's play-off encounter was marred by trouble and Turner said: "The fans must be well-behaved. The club got into trouble after what happened last season and we don't want anyone on the pitch during or after the game.There should be a great atmosphere and we don't want anyone spoiling it.'