Hartlepool United boss explains thinking behind National League points target ahead of huge Notts County clash

It is a daunting task for Hartlepool United, though ahead of the visit of Notts County on Saturday, they are only four points adrift of the top seven.

A run of victories would propel Pools into play-off territory and Challinor insists it is important to set targets.

Challinor said: "I think everyone will always have goals.

"I did it in my previous club in terms of almost monthly targets in terms of where you are at and what you want to try and do.

"Yes, you are going to be judged over the course of the season but I think it would be almost flippant to not say anything to the players and put a target on things and we win six games and go 'I thought we would get in with six’'.

"So, realistically it is an honest view of where I think we need to be to get into the playoff places. I could be completely wrong though, it could be six wins but realistically I don't think it will be.

"You've got to set a point, I would've done it at the start of the season if I was here, again as quickly as possible you want to get to 50 points - I don't care who you are the nature of this league says get to 50 points as quickly as you can."

Challinor added: "If you can do that around January that gives you a few months I think you're looking at a minimum 70-75 points to get into the playoffs and probably to win the league you'll probably need around 92.

"If someone offered me 92 points at the start of the season I would absolutely take it, without playing a game.

"I think that you would be very unlucky with the nature of this league with teams beating each other if you got that amount and didn't win the league."