IT’S MENTAL! – Moore desperate to instil winning instinct into Hartlepool United

New Hartlepool United manager Ronnie Moore during the game against Oxford United. Picture by FRANK REID

The no-nonsense 61-year-old took over as manager in mid-December and he is under no illusions how hard the task of saving Pools from relegation to the Conference will be.

But he insists if the players can change their mindset and get that elusive first league win since mid-October then the situation can turnaround quickly.

“We need to get that winning mentality, which has been lacking,” Moore told SportMail.

“It is unbelievable how much you can kick on with one win in this league.

“What we need is the belief.

“We are in the mire and games are going by thick and fast so we need to start climbing up and getting wins.

“We need to come off having won and others have lost because at the moment we are four wins away from catch-up.

“This is the time, this is where we kick on and get that belief.

“With the help of two more players in I’m sure we will see a different Hartlepool side.

“I can see with the three that have come in, their mentality is different and they want to keep the ball because they have been brought up the right way,” added Moore.

Moore was speaking ahead of today’s match at home to Cheltenham Town at Victoria Park.

Pools are bottom of Sky Bet League Two and are desperate for a win and Moore – who was out of work for eight months after being sacked by Tranmere Rovers earlier this year – had a clear message for his players.

“There is half a season left, this is the time to roll your sleeves up and produce and enjoy being a professional footballer,” said Moore.

“I was out of work for eight months, washing and hanging up the clothes, I was even going shopping and looking for the cheapest thing because I was unemployed – getting the own brands!

“These lads don’t have a clue what life is about.

“They go home at 1pm, get their feet up watch Home & Away.

“All we can try and do is wise them up, and I say to them don’t go shopping on Friday – let your missus do that.

“You get home and relax and come in here all guns blazing on the Saturday and don’t be ashamed after the game.

“Your family and kids are at the game, you want to go out and produce, not leaving the ground with a paper bag over your head.”

l FORMER Hartlepool United loanee Jack Barmby has joined Rotherham United on loan.

The 20-year-old played 17 times in League Two last season, scoring five goals for Pools during a successful loan spell under then manager Colin Cooper.

The former Manchester United forward signed for Leicester City in the summer. His arrival at Rotherham saw the release of 25-year-old Febian Brandy from the Millers.

Pools boss Ronnie Moore has been keen to add a pacy winger to his squad and Manchester-born Brandy could fit the bill.