ROY Evans has seen his FA Cup preparations thrown into chaos thanks to a cocktail of confusion, injury and family illness.

Town's director of football was less than impressed when he discovered that Wayne Carlisle and Jo Kuffour would not be available for the Hartlepool game, despite their respective clubs giving them permission to play.

Unfortunately, Town failed to complete all the necessary paper work in time for the seven day deadline for such deals.

However, Evans is not looking to pin the blame on anyone at a time of great uncertainty and pressure for club staff.

He said: "Obviously it's a problem I could have done without but there's nothing I can do and people at this club have enough on their plate without me making a song and dance about a genuine misunderstanding."

The absence of Carlisle and Kuffour is exacerbated by problems to more permanent squad members.

Evans said: "Paul Edwards' knee is improving but I don't think he'll make Saturday.

"I don't think Reevesy will make it either as he's still fighting to shake off his knee injury."

To compound matters, Bobby Howe is also likely to miss the Hartlepool game due to a serious illness in the family.

Matt Hewlett is also struggling but Evans expects the midfielder to recover in time.

But the director of football is not one for excuses.

He said: "Every manager has setbacks before games. You just have to get on with it."

Despite his growing list of problems, Evans remains focused on the job in hand, a place in the second-round draw.

He said: "We have to treat Hartlepool United with respect, but not too much respect.

"This will be my first involvement in the first round of the competition and I think it's important we try and get back on the winning track after a couple of blips."

Evans certainly realises the importance of tomorrow's tie and added: "You don't budget for cup ties so the further you go the better."

Town's Extraordinary General Meeting will now take place on Friday, December 7 in the Winners Lounge at the County Ground (10.30am).

An interim board will be appointed and a date set for the agm.