KEVIN Henderson has opened talks with Hartlepool United as he bids to bounce back from his free transfer from Turf Moor.

The striker, released as part of Stan Ternent's end-of-season shake-up, is also wanted by Hartlepool's Third Division rivals Halifax Town.

Henderson met Pool boss Chris Turner yesterday and was impressed with what the Third Division club had to offer.

But he is also due to talk to Halifax's new manager Mark Lillis, who is keen to make him one of his first signings at the Shay.

"I have had talks with Chris Turner and I was impressed with what I saw. Everything seems to be on the up.

"It's a club that could be going places and if I can knock a few goals in who knows?

"But I will speak to Mark Lillis and see what he says," confirmed Henderson.

Former Manchester United, Sunderland and Sheffield Wednesday goalkeeper Turner - who apparently received positive reports on Henderson from Ternent and Clarets reserve coach Mick Docherty - kept Hartlepool in the Third Division after taking charge towards the end of last season.

He now hopes to take the club forward and make his first managerial job a success.

Henderson, seeking the security of a two-year contract, was encouraged by what he had to say and a move back to his native North-East would suit the former Whitley Bay and Morpeth Town forward. However, Lillis is also an admirer of the player, who has the attributes to make an impact in the Third Division.

Lillis watched Henderson in reserve action last season in his role as number two at Scunthorpe United, who tried to sign the Clarets man on loan around Christmas.

And following his switch to the manager's job at Halifax he is renewing that interest.

Either way, Henderson, who quit his banking job to sign for Burnley in December 1997, is set to meet his target of staying in the Football League.

And agreeing a deal would represent a perfect way to celebrate his 25th birthday next week.

"It's peace of mind for me that a club wants me. I know I have got the ability if I get the chance," Henderson added.

Meanwhile, Nicky Daws looks set to agree a new deal at Bury which would kill off any prospect of a summer move to Burnley.

The midfield player, a major factor in Bury's climb from the Third to the First Division under Ternent, is highly thought of by the Clarets boss. But £500,000-rated Daws appears ready to accept a lucrative deal to stay on at Gigg Lane, where he would be made captain next season.

And another player not on his way to Turf Moor is Bristol City striker Adi Akinbiyi.

Akinbiyi was linked with a big-money move to Burnley by a national Sunday paper.

But that always looked like a piece of transfer chicanery not involving Burnley and First Division Wolves are set to land the former Gillingham goal-scorer for £1.2 million.

Akinbiyi was signed for City by ex-Burnley number two John Ward, who is reported to be about to sign a two-year contract to stay on as Colin Lee's assistant at Molineux.

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