Dave Challinor reveals his Hartlepool United ambitions

It has been a rocky few seasons for the Victoria Park outfit following relegation from the Football League for the first time in the club’s history three years ago.

With just 12 games to go of the current National League campaign, Pools find themselves battling for a top seven spot and a play-off place.

Challinor believes the move to the North East has helped ‘invigorate’ him as a manager and is hoping for a successful end to the campaign, though if Pools do fall short again then the ex-AFC Fylde boss says they will endeavour to be in a position to launch a sustained promotion charge next season.

On moving the club forward, Challinor said: “Off the pitch, the club has got to the point where things are moving on the up.

“I see it as a really big opportunity moving forward.

“We’ve got a chance this season don’t get me wrong but we’ve got a big job not just now but over the summer in terms of putting a team and a squad together that can really have a go.

“The lads that are here at the moment are a really big part in that.

“I want them to go and perform and enjoy what they’re doing.

“It’s different to what they’ve been used to but they’ve bought into it really well and hopefully they’re enjoying it.

“I enjoy doing the job I am doing regardless of where I’m at but I think me coming here has invigorated me as a manager and given me something different.

“The expectation is great and will only make me a better manager moving forward. Hopefully we can have some success.”

Challinor has challenged his squad to win eight of the remaining 12 games in order to make it into the top seven.

He added: “The sooner you start winning games and consecutive wins together then that’s going to get us closer to it and instil more confidence and belief that we can sneak in there.”