Craig Hignett believes Hartlepool United are bringing in the right hungry players to match his ambition

That was the message today from manager Craig Hignett as he looks to move in on another new signing.

Hignett this week snapped up Nicky Deverdics, from Dover Athletic, and Jake Orrell, from Chesterfield.

The boss says there is room for more players like that as he looks to build a promotion squad at Victoria Park.

“I think the players we have signed, and the ones we are close to securing deals on, see this is a club on the up,” Hignett told SportMail.

“If players have ambition and want to improve as footballers, this is the right place for them.

“They will be coached and we’ll make them better players.

“I want players who have the same ambitions I have.

“I don’t want lads who are happy with League Two, I want them thinking much higher.”

Deverdics is a goal-scoring midfielder who will immediately challenge for a league place while Orrell is a promising striker Hignett feels will be a “dark horse” next season.

“Nicky had the chance to go elsewhere and get more money,” said the manager.

“Another National League club wanted him but Nicky was ambitious and wanted to join what we are doing here.

“He is good enough not just for League Two but higher up and I think he’ll show that.

“Nicky is the right type of man we’re after, it matters that the lads we are signing are as ambitious as I am.

“Everyone at the club will have the same ambition.

“Jake has a lot of ability to develop and that’s what we’ll be looking to do with him.

“He’s 18 and while he’s one for the future I think we’ll see him pushing on in the coming season.”

Meanwhile, there is still no news on four Pools players who it was reported were “in discussions” with the club over new contracts.

There were five originally on the list but Dan Jones has since been released, leaving a gang of four, Rakish Bingham, Michael Duckworth, Rob Jones and Michael Woods.

SportMail understands there is interest in League One for Duckworth and Woods, though Hignett is confident Woods will put pen to paper on a new deal.

Bingham has been linked with a move south, while there is no word on Rob Jones, though he will be an ideal man to keep given his experience, not to mention his 6ft 7in frame.