Hartlepool United’s leaders have finally found their voice

Pools are now five games unbeaten following the 2-2 draw with Newport County on Good Friday as they go into the final six league games of the season.

Currently third bottom having closed a nine-point gap to safety, the momentum is with Pools as they battle against the drop.

Moore was initially critical of the lack of characters when he first arrived.

But he says the atmosphere is more buoyant inside the camp – now that the players are talking to each other.

“We didn’t have the characters when I came into the club,” Moore told SportMail.

“I’m not too sure there are that many now but they are at least more vocal.

“When I first walked in, you could hear a pin drop, it was so quiet and no wonder the music was on loud, they couldn’t talk to each other.

“That was the first two weeks.

“But now there is a lot with an opinion and they probably think they are the manager!

“They are having a pop and not afraid to do it, which is good.

“Footballers are like ships in the night, when you sign somewhere else you won’t see certain players again.

“So if you think someone is doing something wrong, then tell them. “Don’t wait for me and Sam [Collins] to do it.

“They have done it in a

positive way and it is a lot more vocal now.

“That is the modern generation though, playing on their machines.

“It used to be cards and a bit of a laugh and banter, you don’t get that so much now,” added Moore ahead of today’s home match against Southend United (KO 3pm).

Promotion-chasing Southend are fifth in League Two, while Pools remain third bottom following the County draw.

That point saw Pools reach the 40 point barrier, a point above Tranmere Rovers and three above basement side Cheltenham Town.

Moore knows his side are still scrapping for their lives but he is pleased with the way his side has performed against the “top” teams.

He added: “We could have got a point against Burton a few weeks back, which would have seen us a point better off, but we lost against them with the last kick of the game.

“We performed well against them though and did well against Newport.

“Southend will be similar, although they will probably play a bit more football.

“It is another big test for us.”

Moore will again be without Matthew Bates (thigh), Scott Fenwick (ankle), Michael Woods (ankle) and Stuart Parnaby (knee) for the game against The Shrimpers.

Southend boss Phil Brown looks to be without defender Adam Thompson after he went off with a shoulder injury during their 2-0 win over Mansfield Town on Good Friday. Cian Bolger came on in his place and look set to continue alongside Adam Barrett.

Pools (likely) (3-5-2): Flinders (C), Austin, Harrison, Mirfin, D Jones, Duckworth, Featherstone, Walker, Tshibola, Hugill, Franks.

Subs: Maxted, Richards, Hawkins, J Jones, Nelson-Addy, Harewood, Smith.

Southend (likely): Bentley, White, Bolger, Barrett, Coker, Atkinson, Leonard, Timlin, McLaughlin, Corr, Pigott.

Subs: Weston, Smith, Payne, Deegan, Binnom-Williams, Cassidy.

HARTLEPOOL United have again slashed ticket prices for today’s match with Southend United at Victoria Park.

Standing tickets will be £10 for adults and £5 for concessions, while seating tickets will be on sale for £12 for adults and £6 for concessions.

Tickets will be available on the turnstiles.