HARTLEPOOL boss John Askey remains desperate to add to his squad with new signings, but admits Pools might first have to offload some fringe figures to free up some funds.

Despite last week's hammering at Oxford City, Pools have enjoyed an encouraging start to the National League season, but Askey's side were rocked by the recent serious injuries to key duo Dan Dodds and Anthony Mancini.

There are areas Askey remains keen on strengthening in his squad but he'll only move to bolster his ranks if he can bring in players who are better than he already has at his disposal.

"We need to bring in two or three players but it's not easy to pluck players out of thin air," said Askey

"They have to be better than what we've got so we have to be careful we don't panic. In the past we've seen that when people feel they're forced into doing that they can make mistakes.

"We just have to be patient, try and pick up results and get players in if we can."

Askey also wants to move players on, with clubs alerted of those who are available.

"Ideally you want to be able to move people out to create more money," Askey told BBC Tees.

"That would be the ideal scenario to get people out on loan or permanent if they're not playing.

"But if that's not the case then we need to generate the money to bring players in."

Asked whether there's been any interest in the players who Askey would be happy to move on, he said: "Not at the moment no. "We've had one or two players who we've circulated the name but at the minute there hasn't been any interest.

"But we keep talking to the players. There's nothing worse than training every week and not playing, so it's important they do get out and get some playing time."

Pools host Woking on Saturday (3pm) looking to get back to winning ways after last weekend's setback. Askey's side have a 100% record on home turf so far this season.

He said: "Woking are a strong team. They can mix it up. They're not just a total footballing team. They have some strong players who have a lot of league experience.

"You can see why they've been up there. It will be a tough test but anybody coming to Hartlepool, they come knowing the record has been really good and they'll be in for a tough game."