Hartlepool United's interim manager Nicky Featherstone describes visit of bottom side Truro as "a real opportunity"

Having endured a difficult run of just one win in 11 matches that cost former manager Simon Grayson his job last month, Pools have been enjoying a resurgence under the interim boss and last week's commanding win over Eastleigh saw them extend their unbeaten run to six games.

Although Featherstone, who has now been in temporary charge for almost seven weeks, endured a nightmarish start to life in the dugout as Pools were dumped out of the FA Cup at the fourth qualifying round stage by Northern Premier League Premier Division side Gainsborough Trinity, things have taken a significant turn for the better since then.

While it's true that off-field problems that have long plagued Pools as well as ongoing instability haven't gone away overnight, Featherstone's side have at least managed to make impressive progress on the pitch.

Although draws with strugglers Sutton and Morecambe as well as part-time Wealdstone left something to be desired, wins over a resurgent Solihull Moors, play-off chasing Halifax as well as Saturday's victory over lacklustre Eastleigh have seen Pools revive their faltering play-off hopes.

Having looked set for another season of mid-table mediocrity, Pools have now closed to within five points of the play-off places, albeit seventh placed Southend as well as Scunthorpe, who are sixth and seven points clear, both have a game in hand.

Nonetheless, a run of winnable games, with Pools set to welcome bottom side Truro, who have lost eight and drawn two of their 10 matches on the road so far this term, and then Yeovil in the lead up to Christmas means Featherstone's side have a real chance of reducing the gap even further over the festive period.

The concern among many fans, however, is that the lingering uncertainty regarding who is set to be named the next permanent Pools boss could threaten to derail their impressive recent progress.

Although results haven't suffered so far, it's hard to imagine that the swirling rumour and speculation - Featherstone conceded to the press that he wasn't sure about his chances of becoming Grayson's successor - is likely to help the Pools cause the longer the situation drags on.

While some supporters have argued that Featherstone, who has spent more than a decade at Victoria Park and is the club's third highest appearance-maker of all-time, has done more than enough to be given the job on a permanent basis, last week's official "update" in which Pools revealed their hunt for a new boss "remains ongoing" despite applications from some "excellent candidates" hardly read like a vote of confidence in the veteran midfielder.

The Hartlepool Mail revealed on Monday that Pools had also held talks with former Altrincham boss Phil Parkinson, who appears to be the first choice among many fans having led the Robins from the Northern Premier League to the National League during a successful eight-year spell in Greater Manchester, and Chris Beech, who made more than 100 appearances at Victoria Park during his playing days, leading to further speculation that the club are still not convinced by Featherstone.

The playing squad, however, appear to have thrown their support behind the interim boss, with striker Alex Reid admitting he was "rooting for" him to get the job while Sheron said that Pools "really believe in" Featherstone.

All Pools - and, for that matter, Featherstone - can really do is focus on this weekend's visit of a Truro side who are notoriously poor on the road, with John Askey's Tinners, who are rooted to the foot of the National League table, having lost eight and drawn two of their 10 away games so far this season.

"We're still building," the interim boss told the official Pools club website.

"These games are tricky because everyone expects you to win, so the pressure turns onto us now.

"The boys are in a really good place at the minute and I think it's a real opportunity for us to put on another performance and, hopefully, get a result.

"We've had a long, long trip down to Eastleigh, it's a long way for us, so it's nice to get back at the Vic.

"For me, it's just about wanting to get back to winning ways at home; we haven't lost, but we've drawn the last couple, so we'll be pushing and pushing to try and get back to winning ways at home.

"Considering Truro's results haven't been great this season, they are competitive in the majority of their games - I know they've lost heavily on a few occasions, but they have been competitive.

"They pose a threat on the counter-attack, they've got a long throw and we'll have to be at our best from set-pieces.

"Again, for me and since I've come in, I want the focus to be on us, how we play and how we can hurt opponents. Yes, we want to be aware of the threats that the opposition pose, but for me it's about what Hartlepool United team turns up.

"I believe that, if the lads produce the performance levels that they have done in recent weeks, then we'll be there or thereabouts whoever we play. I think we're a match for anyone on our day."

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