Hartlepool United boss Craig Hignett faces old friend John Sheridan in Notts County clash

Pools return to the North East this weekend after three successive away trips, with Sheridan’s Magpies the next opponents.

And while County are yet to pick up a win this season, Hignett knows they will be an extremely tough test for his side.

Part of this, Hignett believes, is down to the management of his acquaintance Sheridan who the Pools boss knows will have his team well-prepared.

The Magpies had an indifferent season last term, following relegation from League One the previous year, and haven’t enjoyed the best of starts in League Two so far having suffered two defeats from their opening three games.

A draw against Stevenage represents the only points on the board for the Nottinghamshire side so far, but Hignett says their performances have still been impressive.

“Notts County have had a tough start to the season but by all accounts are playing well,” he said.

“We’ve seen a couple of clips of them and we’ll decide what to do with them.

“Every game in this league is going to be a tough one and there hasn’t been one team who has really stood out yet.

Ex-Oldham boss John Sheridan took over the reigns at Meadow Lane in the summer having left the Latics.

And, having won this division with Chesterfield previously, Hignett believes this knowledge will stand Sheridan in good stead for the season.

“He’s really experienced and a great man who I look forward to seeing.” Hignett added.

“He’ll get the best out of his team and he knows the league inside out. They’ll be well-prepared so it’s going to be tough.” - Mark Donnelly.