BOUYANT Hartlepool United boss Chris Turner jets off on holiday today with four new deals in the bag.

Turner has this week clinched the signing of Blackburn's Welsh under-21 international keeper Anthony Williams on a free transfer and has seen Paul Stephenson, Chris Westwood and Ian Clark put pen to paper on new deals to keep them at Victoria Park.

After Craig Midgley and Darren Knowles also committed themselves to another year at Victoria Park, the only outstanding deal to wrap up on his return next week is Graeme Lee and the Pool boss is confident the defender will agree terms.

"It's good that players want to stay at the club and be part of what we are trying to achieve,'' admitted Turner. "They all showed last season what they are capable of.

"I have sensed this week speaking to the lads that everyone is raring to go and looking forward to the season. There is a real determination to succeed.'

"It's vital we maintain continuity by re-signing those who did well last season - and we can build on that.

"If you have a mass exodus at the end of the season it makes it difficult, as you virtually have to start again with a new set of players.''

Williams has collected a record number of caps for the Welsh under-21 side and Turner admitted: "He has the right kind of background, and has been out on loan to Gillingham, Bristol Rovers and Macclesfield, which was where he first came to my attention.

"Terry Darracott at Blackburn alerted me to the fact that he would be available on a free, so we brought him up for a trial at the back end of last season. He fitted in well with the rest of the lads and impressed.''

Halifax are keen to sign striker Gary Jones on a free transfer after he impressed on loan at The Shay last season, but they face competition from Hull.

Turner, meanwhile, has received a congratulatory letter from former England manager Graham Taylor following Pool's success last season.

The Watford chief wrote: "Congratulations on an excellent start to your managerial career. I have taken interest in your success and even though you lost in the play-offs, don't let it get you down.''

Pool, meanwhile, have been linked with a move for Halifax frontman Matthew Clarke. Striker Clarke made 23 first team appearances last season, including 12 as a substitute and Turner had him under his wing while Wolves' youth team coach.

Turner earlier this week denied reports he was about to sign Cardiff striker Dai Thomas -days before the Welshman was cited on a BBC Panorama programme for alleged involvement in skirmishes in Euro 2000.