Hignett urges Pools to be positive in Luton challenge

The new Pools boss has experienced a mixed start since taking over from Ronnie Moore at Victoria Park.

It’s a case of played two, won one, for the 46-year-old, ahead of what, on paper, appears a tough task for a club just three points above the drop zone.

But Luton are not pulling up any trees at Kenilworth Road – far from it. Only Pools, Morecambe and rock-bottom Dagenham & Redbridge have lost more home games.

Hignett, buoyed by four goals in his opening two fixtures, including two from Billy Paynter, insists Pools can relish the challenge rather than fear it.

“To score four goals in two games is good after goals have been a problem,” said Hignett. “It shows we have goals in the team.

“We could have scored a few more the other night.

“I have seen bits and bobs of Luton and know they have a few quid.

“They have had a change of manager, so, if that happens ,it’s often an indication that you are under-achieving.

“I’m not too worried about what Luton do, I’m just trying to concentrate on us, putting things in place here to make us better.

“I remember going there as a Middlesbrough player and it wasn’t a particularly good day.

“I think John Hartson scored a few!

“It’s a challenge for the lads, but I’m sure they’ll be up for it and we’ll be ready.

“It’s the same though with all games in this league, if you start well and get on the front foot, you can put teams under pressure.

“If you do that it does not take long before they might crumble.

“While changing things around a bit at half-time I said to the lads to make sure we got on the front foot for the second half.

“If we scored, I felt Notts County might have a wobble and they had a right wobble.

“But that’s how the division is. No disrespect to the players, but that’s why they are in League Two – the consistency isn’t always there.”

And Hignett insists there will be no change to his tactics for an away game, though he says he may look into just where Pools play their football.

Pools played themselves into trouble a number of times in the midweek defeat to Notts County.

But he is unsure whether the fact Pools are away will relieve some tension the players are feeling playing in front of their own supporters.

“I know how I want my team to play and I won’t bend from that,” he said. “Situations in games may dictate that I do different things.

“Yeovil was a tense game and the fans were right behind the lads and I thought the players handled the situation very well.

“The other night, there were one or two frustrated voices but that is understandable.

“I think the way the way I want to play it can be frustrating if the ball is given away in a bad area.

“That is me to sort out, not put the players in that position, maybe change the way we play out.

“But I won’t be changing the style of football.”