Hignett determined to give Pools '˜winning mentality

The new manager was today taking charge of Pools for the fourth time when the juggernaut that is Northampton Town came to Victoria Park.

Hignett won his first game in charge, against Yeovil Town, but has since lost his last two, having conceded late goals to Notts County and Luton Town.

However, the 46-year-old believes it is only a matter of time before Pools become winners.

“We didn’t deserve to lose the two matches, but the lads have been in a habit of losing games,” he said.

“The sooner we change that and change the mentality and start winning games and pick up points the better.

“It’s no good playing well and not winning games, we want to play well and win.

“The players have a belief in how we want to play and how we’re trying to play.

“We need one or two results to reinforce that we’re going about things the right way.

“But we are getting there. The lads have an understanding of what we want from them and they are taking it on board.

“All the lads have been great in listening and taking it in, understanding what we want.”

Hignett feels Pools are getting better by the day.

The side looked the better team at Kenilworth Road only to succumb in the 86th minute. But the manager believes the confidence gained, allied to a week on the training ground, will boost their prospects.

“It’s been good,” he said. “The players are taking it on board and they are getting better – you can see that in the performances.

“I felt Saturday was the best 90 minutes since we came in here and they had confidence on the ball and looked a good team.

“We are getting there, the lads have an understanding of what we want from them and they are taking it on board.

“They have been great in listening and taking it in, understanding what we want.

“They have tried everything and they can see it helps.

“The belief comes from players seeing how they play – we had a plan at Luton which worked and the belief comes from that.

“Knowing what you are doing is right and it’s good to see it working.

“All you need from that is results to give them proper confidence, but I don’t think that’s far away, I really don’t.’’