Hartlepool United’s game at Charlton, scheduled for Saturday, could be called off this evening.

Heavy snow and overnight temperature of minus five degrees have left The Valley playing surface solid in parts.

And, with no let-up in the weather, a check will be made later today to determine if the game has any chance of going ahead.

Pools are due to set off tomorrow morning, and Charlton operations director Mick Everett said: “We laid the frost covers over the pitch on New Year’s Day.

“Over the past few days, we have seen overnight temperatures at pitch level of up to minus five degrees, and despite the frost covers, certain areas of the pitch are frozen.

“After the overnight snow, and with more predicted this week, Saturday’s game is in some doubt.”

He added: “Obviously, we are well aware of all the issues regarding fans’ travelling plans, particularly in the current treacherous conditions around the country, and we hope to be able to confirm whether the game goes ahead by the end of Thursday, as this will save Hartlepool from travelling south early on Friday morning.”

Pools plan to give midfielder Joe Gamble a debut on Saturday, after he completed his free transfer move from Cork City on Tuesday.

Chris Turner has long been interested in the 27-year-old.

He moved on a free transfer after Cork’s financial troubles meant they were unable to pay players’ wages last month.

Breaking his contract meant the highly-rated midfielder was able to exit on a free transfer and it emerged that Cork tried to insert a 20 per cent sell-on clause into the deal, which was rejected by Pools.

■ Carlisle have completed the permanent signing of Chelsea’s 19-year-old midfielder Tom Taiwo for an undisclosed fee. The Cumbrians also hope striker Gary Madine makes his loan at Coventry a permanent move before the end of the January transfer window.

■ Notts County executive chairman Peter Trembling wants to get the club’s transfer embargo lifted by next week.

The Football League imposed the embargo after County’s parent company Blenheim 1862 was served with a winding-up order, but Trembling is in talks with three potential investors.

‘‘As soon as we have paid that debt and satisfied the Football League it has been cleared, then the embargo will be lifted. And it is important we get it resolved next week,’’ said Trembling.