Hartlepool Utd is alway a tough place to go - Tranmere Rovers boss

This season has been a mixed bag for Rovers, who are currently 15th in League Two with seven points from their opening six league matches.

Rovers - who were beaten 3-2 away to Accrington Stanley last weekend - have scored 10 and conceded 10 so the match at Victoria Park could well be an open encounter.

Edwards said the atmosphere on the training pitch this week has been positive though despite last weekend’s away defeat.

He said: “It has been a good training week, the pitches are good and we’ve been able to do a lot of work.

“I’m not one to let things linger, we were positive on Monday and the players are as determined as me that we’re going to have a good side this year and start winning more games.

“There’s always positives and always things to learn from. Hopefully we’re learning quickly.

“We’re conceding too many goals from throw ins around our area so we’ve worked on that.

“We’ve got to make sure we play our game.

“I know Hartlepool well.

“They play 4-4-2 with two good wide players so there’s a challenge there.

“It’s a tough place to go but it’s a good pitch and there will plenty of opportunities to play our football. We’re looking forward to the game,” added Edwards, who was talking to his club’s website.

Edwards took over at Tranmere in May following the sacking of Ronnie Moore the previous month.

Rovers this week appointed player-coach Matt Gill, 33, as assistant to manager Edwards. He replaces John McMahon, who left the club by mutual consent last month.

The midfielder, who has made 504 appearances during a 17-year career, will continue to form part of the Rovers first-team squad.

Meanwhile, Rovers have bolstered their squad this week with Matthias Fanimo joining on a youth loan from West Ham United, subject to Premier League clearance.

The 20-year old winger has progressed through the youth system at Upton Park and made three appearances for the Hammers’ first team.

- RICHARD MENNEAR