The Pools captain has been one of the most consistent performers in the side since the turn of the year and has developed into a solid left-back.

His displays saw him earn the title of Player of the Year and more illustriously Player of the Century at this week's Borough Hall awards night.

But, like the rest of the back four, Humphreys has suffered from dips in form as Pools conceded a woeful 66 goals during the campaign – compared to just 25 last season.

Only the bottom four in League One conceded more goals than the Victoria Park outfit and Humphreys admitted the defensive side of his game is something he looks to improve every day in training.

Humphreys said: "I think I could have contributed more this season in terms of keeping more clean sheets when I've been in the back four and getting forward or creating more from midfield.

"There are always areas to improve, but I am happy to have played the majority of games again in whatever position.

"On a Monday morning, you try to keep improving when you go back into work.

"If I'm in the back four I have to improve my heading and one-versus-ones and practice on my crossing. You never stop trying to improve yourself."

An alarming 15 players have been used in the back four this season as injury, suspension and loss of form hampered Danny Wilson's effort to create a solid, settled defence.

But Humphreys thinks there has been more to it than just a high turnover of defenders and blunders from those who have been handed the task of guarding the gates.

The 30-year-old wants midfielders and strikers to take a great burden on their shoulders by keeping tighter at set-pieces and picking up runs into the box.

Humphreys said: "Everybody is involved in defensive situations - it's not just the back four and the keeper.

"It's a cliche but defending starts from the front.

"It's an all round thing. We need to build on the clean sheets we had last year, even though we are up against better strikers and wingers."