WITH his one and probably only piece of January transfer business completed, Chris Turner won’t welcome any interest in his own Hartlepool United players.

Midfielder Joe Gamble, rated at 150,000 euros but allowed to leave financiallytroubled Cork City for free, will make his Pools debut at Victoria Park against MK Dons this afternoon.

His arrival completes Turner’s squad after a rebuilding job at Victoria Park that started as soon as last season drew to a disappointing close.

Turner, with the arrival of the combative midfielder, has signed 13 players and put Pools into a mid-table spot.

And he insists that none of the players who have made an impression this season will be allowed to exit.

Gary Liddle, Scott Flinders and Andy Monkhouse are among those courted by other clubs. The chances of them leaving Victoria Park, however, are minimal.

“We are in a very fortunate position in that we don’t have sell anyone and don’t want to sell anyone,’’ insisted Turner.

“If anyone wants to leave it would take a very, very good offer for them to go.

“For any doubters, knockers or whoever they are outside the club they only have to look around at other clubs. We are run along the proper lines by a company who do things the right way.

“Clubs are on the bare bones financially. They have to move players out. We don’t.

We are moving along nicely as a club and don’t have to sell.

“If someone comes in for anyone, we don’t snap their hands off. We are building a squad to challenge to get in the Championship, not to make money.

“We haven’t had any offers and don’t want any. Only a few clubs will wheel and deal in January. Those who do will gamble on players to keep them up, or to keep them in contention – and if it fails they are in a poor position.’’ With the backing of club owners IOR Ltd behind him, Turner added: “We don’t panic here. We are a stable club, building something.

“We do it in our own time and own way to create a team that will challenge for the top three spots in due course, but we won’t be panicked into doing otherwise.’’ Today’s game is Pools’ first in a fortnight, since they beat Oldham at Victoria Park. Last week’s trip to Charlton was frozen off and swiftly rearranged for next Tuesday.

Training has been widely disrupted in recent weeks, with Pools training outdoors on Thursday for the first time this year.

“It was a break, but not a welcome one,’’ reflected Turner.

“And the Charlton game has been rearranged quickly, which makes it hard for our fans to get to The Valley on Tuesday, which is disappointing.

“But every team has been in the same situation with games and training being disrupted.

“I was listening to Nigel Pearson last week when Leicester played Ipswich and he said he thought his team looked a bit out of sorts because of the break, and we have had another week on the back of it.

“It will be interesting to see how things work out. It is strange when there’s a break like we have had, but you have to keep focused on how you train and the game for when it comes.

“We haven’t been able to train outdoors properly for four weeks. It’s the same for all.’’ The one positive point for Pools with the break is that injured players have been given extended recovery time.

Sam Collins trained on Thursday and, provided there has been no reaction, he will be in the frame today after Achilles trouble. Gary Liddle’s hamstring strain has cleared up and Dennis Behan will be on the bench today after ankle ligament damage.

“Injured players have a chance to get back early – Sam Collins and Gary Liddle are in contention for this game,’’ said Turner. “Denis Behan has been able to do some CV work, James Brown is another week closer.

“We are getting back to a full-strength squad.’’ Pools have a testing run of games ahead and, with home advantage today, Turner added: “We drew at MK Dons on the first day of the season.

They are chasing a spot in the play-offs, along with Millwall and a few others – and we are only six points behind these teams.

“They are sure bets for the top six from the start and we are not too far short, and if we win on Saturday it’s down to three points.

“Not long ago we beat Millwall 3-0, which showed what we can do.

“We are not that far behind and I’m pretty satisfied.’’ ■ The Hartlepool United Disabled Supporters Group will welcome all fans into the club’s Centenary Lounge before today’s game to raise awareness of the group.