Nicky Featherstone explains why Dave Challinor's high demands won't allow Hartlepool United to be complacent ahead of Maidenhead United match

No side has picked up more points than Pools in the National League since the turn of the year.

Featherstone has started every match in that time and has been a key component in the side’s resurgence since Challinor took charge last November.

And the Pools midfielder – often one to shy away from the personal plaudits – has paid tribute to the club’s coaching staff for the impact they’ve had over the last 11 months.

“There’s a belief in the squad since the gaffer has come in, to be honest,” Featherstone said.

“There’s no complacency from him, he’s intense every single day and wants everything to be done right."

Hartlepool have got their 2020-21 National League season off to an encouraging start with back to back wins over Aldershot Town and Chesterfield.

They will look to continue their perfect record away to Maidenhead United at York Road this Saturday (3pm kick-off).

While Featherstone recognises the roles the players have played in picking up positive results, he feels the meticulous and demanding approach from the coaching staff is bringing out the best in the team.

"The intensity he works at really pushes the lads, the half-time team talk at Chesterfield just didn’t allow us to be complacent in the game.

"The gaffer and his staff have to take credit for that, as much as the players. We’ll go on the pitch and implement the game plan but in terms of keeping us on the right track and having that consistency in our game is from the staff.

“I think you saw it with Fylde, that high press, high energy approach. He’s come in and picked up that intensity here and every single day it’s intense and a lot is built around the stats and the GPS.

"They’ll have to take credit for having us at it every day, he’s brought in a new fitness coach [Jake Simpson, Head of Sports Science], who we trust massively and he’s got a big role to play in it.”

A message from the Editor:

Hi, our aim is to provide you with the best, most up-to-date and most informative coverage of YOUR club every single day, home and away, 365 days a year.

This depth of Pools coverage costs, so to help us maintain the high-quality reporting that you are used to from the football team at the Hartlepool Mail, please consider taking out a subscription to our new sports-only package.

You'll find all the details at www.hartlepoolmail.co.uk/subscriptions/sports

Your support is much appreciated.