Pools stars warned not to be bottlers

But the Pools manager has called on his squad to start producing the goods on the pitch as he looks for a rapid improvement in fortunes.

The 2014-15 campaign has been a sorry one so far, with Pools recording just three league wins four months into the season.

Southend away was the latest defeat, which saw them stay bottom and left the manager cursing the player’s lack of character.

Murray is adamant though that his players have what it takes to climb Sky Bet League Two.

“We have the quality in there, I know because I’ve seen it,” said Murray.

“But too many on Saturday didn’t show that quality.

“They weren’t wanting that pass and it was more leaving someone with the ball.

“We can’t be like that.

“At the bottom you have to show that courage and you have to want possession and it’s disappointing we didn’t show that.”

Murray insists consistency is the key if Pools are to drag themselves off the foot of League Two.

He has praised Sam Collins, 37, and versatile Neil Austin for their solid performances since he took charge and is looking for others to follow suit.

“The older heads are doing well,” added Murray.

“Sam at the back did well against Southend, we just had a bit of an off-day going forward, which happens.

“It is all about consistency and getting those consistency levels up.

“We need the players at sevens and eight out of 10 every week, rather than a couple of fives and sixes.

“I came in as manager and knew it would be a gradual improvement but we need that upward curve sharpish – there has to be.

“I’ve my own ideas to bring in and I’ve seen little bits of that come through.”

Pools are without a midweek match for the fourth consecutive week and it has allowed Murray to spend more time on the training pitches at Maiden Castle, in Durham, getting those ideas across.

The first team squad will have to take them on board quickly as the pressure continues to mount with every passing week.

Pools have won just once in their last 11 league matches and the Southend defeat was their 7th away so far this campaign.

That pressure is only set to intensify when fellow strugglers York City visit Victoria Park on Saturday - the first of three consecutive home matches including the FA Cup tie with Blyth Spartans.

Murray added: “This weekend is huge, a massive game after this defeat.

“We have a run of home games and we have to make Victoria Park a fortress and that’s what we are aiming to do.

“We have a week without a game, and it gives us a chance to work hard on the training ground and look at some issues from the Southend match.”