Dave Challinor 'not prepared to go through the motions' at Hartlepool United following FA Trophy defeat at Harrogate Town

Hartlepool United Dave Challinor arrives for the Vanarama National League match between Chesterfield and Hartlepool United at the Proact stadium, Chesterfield on Tuesday 26th November 2019. (Credit: Mark Fletcher | MI News) | Other 3rd Party

Dave Challinor’s start to life at Hartlepool United has been a relatively positive one, but the standards he expects are far higher than what we’ve seen so far.

Challinor has led Pools to the third round of the FA Cup while also achieving an impressive 5-1 victory at Chesterfield in the National League.

This has been countered by a 2-1 defeat at Woking last time out in the league and things got even worse over the weekend when United completely capitulated at Harrogate Town in the FA Trophy as they threw away a 2-0 lead in the final 13-minutes of the game to lose 3-2.

The Hartlepool manager feels big victories like we saw at Yeovil Town and Chesterfield can paper over the cracks somewhat with the Harrogate match highlighting several key issues with the side.

“We need to know how to win and at the moment we don’t have that which only results in one thing come the end of the season and that’s us having no success so things need to change,” Challinor admitted.

“People have been given opportunities but when a new manager comes in, your career and future at the club is on the line.

“It’s my job to see what we’ve got and it’s not up to what I need then we need to change it.

“Maybe it will take that to happen to a few for the others to realise they’re at a very good football club here and the job they have is really rewarding but I’m not going to suffer fools lightly.”

Challinor’s 10 years in management with both Colwyn Bay and AFC Fylde have seen him earn at least a play-off place at the end of every season.

It’s a track record he doesn’t plan on ending at Pools.

“I want to win football matches and be successful,” he added.

“I’ve been successful for the last 10 years and I’m not prepared to go through the motions here.

“I’ll be doing everything I can to make sure we’re moving forward and make sure we’re a success.