WITH his 11th new signing in the bag, Chris Turner is of the firm belief he has a squad in place to ensure a positive season at Hartlepool United.

Ahead of Tuesday’s Carling Cup exit at the hands of Burnley, Pools completed the signing of giant Icelandic international Armann Bjornsson on a two-year deal with an option of a third year.

The striker moved from Brann Bergen, the Norwegian side with whom Pools have strong links through their owners IOR Ltd.

Turner has been allowed to revamp the playing squad over the summer, desperate to ensure the on-field struggles of the last two seasons in League One are a thing of the past.

The early signs have been encouraging, and Pools gave Burnley a tough 120 minutes on Tuesday night.

“We are getting stronger,”

said Turner.

“If we had a squad like this last season, when we lost key players like (James) Brown and (Willie Boland) we could have coped, but at that time we couldn’t.

“I’ve got 11 new signings in and been well supported by the chairman and company throughout.

“Now we have the players in it’s time to push on and look for league points to get into that top half. I believe in the second half we will get better and stronger.

“We will have ups and downs throughout, but it’s a long season and now we have the bodies to cope with that.”

Turner watched 6ft 5in Bjornsson score for Brann while on a summer scouting mission.

Capped five times with one goal for his country, Bjornsson will be in the squad for Saturday’s game with Norwich and Turner added: “He’s a striker by trade, but can play at the back. He adds something to the squad.

“In the last ten minutes you can throw him up front, he’s a big powerful boy and might make that difference.

He’s got to compete to get into the team.

“I’ve been trying to get him for five or six weeks, so it’s great to finally land him.

“He’s got a bit of pedigree about him and has played for his country. Now I’m not saying Iceland are the biggest or best nation, but he has experience at that level. He’s played in the top flight in Norway as well.

“We watched him play for Brann Bergen and he came on and scored. Now he has to get up to the speed of our game over here, but it’s always a good option.

“Away from home we could certainly play 4-5-1 if we need to.

“We have been looking at the top level in Norway and all the players we have brought in have quality about them.”