Precious victory would lift the mood around Hartlepool United '“ Nicky Deverdics

Pools not only need to worry about battling the drop, but also the financial struggles the non-league club are facing.

However, Deverdics has remained hopeful that the team can bring a ray of positivity with a much-needed victory against Eastleigh today.

The midfielder said: “The points are very important for the team and, despite what is going on off the field, we must remain focused and prepared to go out there and do our job.

“We are all trying to win every game – whoever we face – and, while we are well aware that we have not won for a while, every game is equally as precious as the rest.”

Hartlepool are without a league victory in 10 matches and lie seven points above the relegation zone, with the possibility of Pools facing a points deduction should they enter administration.

After failing to hold on for a win in Tuesday’s 1-1 draw at Chester, Deverdics and the squad have been able to regroup and learn from their misfortunes.

“The points are very important for the team and despite what is going on off the field, we must remain focused and be prepared to go out and do our job.

“We were disappointed not to come away with three points at Chester after leading, but we need to recover from that quickly and put things right at the weekend.

“We have been back out on the training ground and looking at the necessary improvements we must make to be sure we are fit and ready for the game at Eastleigh.”

The addition of playing with the uncertainty of the club’s future has not helped the players after they only found out on Thursday that they had received their pay slips.

“It has been a difficult situation for the last couple of weeks and it does play on your mind at times,” added Deverdics.

“It has not been easy to play football when you are not sure if you are getting paid, but we will stick together as a group and concentrate on each game with the determination to get maximum points.”