Hartlepool United boss Dave Challinor discusses what he needs to 'improve on' as a manager

Pools were beaten 3-0 by Sutton United on Sunday to make it three defeats in their last four matches heading into Saturday’s regular season finale against Weymouth at Victoria Park (12:30pm).

And after taking time to reflect on the defeat, Challinor has admitted his tendency to let his emotions get the better of him following disappointing results is something he’s trying to work on as a manager.

“Sometimes it can be emotional in a dressing room environment after a game so it can be better to reflect and not say too much,” he said.

"You settle down and say what you need to say in a calmer manner 24 to 48 hours later.

"As a young manager, it’s something I need to improve on and I’ve not been great at over the years. I’ll still head and kick every ball and I’m still desperate for my team to do well because I know what they can do and they’ve shown that on more than enough occasions this season.”

And Challinor spoke to his Pools players on Tuesday to reinforce that message.

"It’s about having some reality about where we’re at and what we did speak about is that there is obviously going to be disappointment that opportunities have passed us by in recent weeks,” he added.

“We had the chance to win the title which passed us by, we had the opportunity to go third on Sunday but we didn't take it but there are still huge opportunities ahead of us that we'll be looking to take.”

A message from the Football Clubs Editor

Our aim is to provide you with the best, most up-to-date and most informative Hartlepool United coverage 365 days a year.

This depth of coverage costs, so to help us maintain the high-quality reporting that you are used to, please consider taking out a subscription to our new sports-only package here.

Your support is much appreciated. Richard Mennear, Football Clubs Editor