Nicky Featherstone discusses his form at Hartlepool United and why things are different under Dave Challinor's management

The 31-year-old midfielder has emerged as a key player for Pools this campaign with his form really picking up under Dave Challinor.

Featherstone has also developed an eye for goal with four goals in his last 18 matches equalling his goalscoring tally for his previous 116 matches before Challinor’s arrival.

The former Hull City man has started every game since the former AFC Fylde manager took over which is something that has helped him gain confidence and momentum in the side.

“I didn’t start the season really, I think I went 10 games without starting so it’s difficult to get a run of form going,” Featherstone admitted.

“What’s happened since the new manager has come in is that I’ve played every game and I’m really benefiting from that.

“Also the training and the intensity we work at every day, the manager demands a lot of us.

“We can only benefit from that as players because the energy in the performance on Saturday with our pressing and closing down, you can see we are reaping the benefits from training.

“I’ve not had that sort of intensity since I’ve been here in terms of training and the workload. Ronnie Moore was old school and had his way which was effective. Craig Hignett the first time was like pure football.

“This manager wants to play football but he wants to be progressive with it, he has a saying ‘don’t play at the back, play out from the back’ in terms of getting the ball forward to create a bit of excitement.

“It’s just about making the right decisions and it’s an exciting time.”

On Featherstone’s form, Challinor added: “He takes all the credit for that, we’ve asked him to do certain things and he’s worked.

“He’s changed his diet which is a choice he’s made himself, I think it’s always one of those things you look at when you get a little bit older and see if things work and he’s benefiting from that – as I’ve said, he’s been brilliant.”