THROUGHOUT last season, Martin Scott was of the belief that when his two central defenders played well, Hartlepool United played well.

Today, he will be hoping that one of that lauded pair often referred to has a nightmare at Victoria Park.

Chris Westwood and Micky Nelson formed a solid and affective partnership at the heart of the Pool defence in the last two seasons.

But Westwood left Pool in the summer and makes a swift return with his new Walsall team today.

Last week, at the third time of asking, Pool achieved their first win of the campaign, and it's no coincidence that the victory was based on a strong display from the centre of defence, supporting Scott's theory.

Now he hopes Neill Collins can form a similar partnership with Nelson, just like Westwood managed. Collins moved on loan from Sunderland eight days ago and greatly impressed on his debut.

Signed on a half-season loan, the rugged Scot will fill the void left by Westwood's departure, after both Ben Clark and Darren Williams played there in the first two games.

Scott said: "We are absolutely delighted to get him.

"It took over a month to get him in. It wasn't a case of picking up the phone and asking Big Mick what he had.

"We've worked three or four weeks on this one. We had a few centre-halves and he was top of the list.

"We had players at other Premiership clubs and it probably didn't help us that that league started a week after ours because managers had to look after their own.

"We caught Mick at a time when he brought Alan Stubbs in and he was quite strong in that department.''

The Pool boss is satisfied with his squad and it's unlikely he'll be adding any more players before the transfer window shuts on August 31.

"It was one area we wanted to strengthen, even though we replaced Chris Westwood with Darren Williams,'' he said.

"Because of injuries and departures we are six defenders down and it's a massive slice. Defence was an area we needed to boost and making just one signing made us stronger.

"I think you could see that at Doncaster. We've a great spirit at the club, but sometimes you have to upset your team-mate.

"Sometimes you have to point the finger if someone isn't sharp enough or not quite up to it.

"You do that because he's your mate and you want him to play to your standards. After 20 - 25 minutes, I saw Darren Williams having a go at Neill, then Neill later had a go at Micky Nelson.

"It's not rocking the boat, it's about lifting standards. It boosts the bond between the players.

"Yes, there was a few harsh words on the pitch, but it only happens on the pitch.

"On the bus on the way home from Doncaster the players were celebrating three very good points. Nothing is carried over.

"Everyone knows what Westy and Nelse did - they had a great partnership, but he's moved on and we have to move on.''

Westwood's final act as a Pool player was being red-carded in the play-off final against Sheffield Wednesday.

Scott is sure that the Pool faithful will today recognise his six successful seasons at Victoria Park prior to the game.

He said: "Westy will get a good reception, he deserves one. The good thing about North-East football fans, especially here, is that they appreciate when someone has done well for them.

"They appreciate what he did for us. But also all the fans, players and me know he plays for Walsall - there is no sentiment whatsoever.

"Yes, we will have a chat before and after the game but that's it. He is coming here to win remember.

"He will want to have a good game and it's up to us to have a good team performance and the right result and then shake his hand and wish him all the best in his career.

"I wanted him to stay, that's no secret, but you have to respect his decision.

"I told him to stand by his decision and at this moment in time, he's captain of the team who are top of the table.''

Westwood agonised over his decision to move and opted to return to his native Midlands, the opportunity to move his wife and children back home proved too strong.

He was swiftly made captain at the Bescot and is looking forward to his return.

Westwood said: "I have only just left so to go back so quickly will be strange but I just hope the fans aren't too rough with me.

"I know only too well that it is going to be tough. Adam Boyd has gone from strength-to-strength in recent years.

"He has always had the potential and is now starting to show what he is capable of on a regular basis. Jon Daly is likely to partner him and he is a big lad who is strong in the air and has a good touch.

"Between them they are sure to cause us problems, but I am confident we can deal with them.''

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