Hartlepool United boss Ronnie Moore has his eyes on 50 points

After starting the season in stunning fashion with three wins in the opening week, the first half of the campaign has been one of frustration for Pools.

Moore’s side go into their 22nd game of the League Two programme on 20 points and down in 21st place in the table.

The Pools boss who pulled off what many considered a miracle escape last season after taking over a club seemingly doomed to drop out of the Football League, admits that it’s nature to be looking at the situation below them.

“You are always looking over your shoulder,” explained the Pools boss. “The target is to get to 50 points as soon as possible.”

Last season, Pools stayed up with 45, but Moore does not want another relegation battle, hence his desire to bring in at least three new players.

“It’s been a roller-coaster,” he said.“I thought last season was tough but this one has been too, especially after making so many changes and bringing new players in.

“Sometimes you think you get lucky and we seemed to with that fantastic start, it’s a good job we did, because at the present time we are hit and miss.

“But those players who came in and did well don’t become bad players overnight, there’s a massive lack of confidence in one or two.

“In the meantime we need to make sure that we have players in those positions so if we need to take a player or two out of the side that they can be replaced.”

Moore will be looking for a full-back, dynamic midfielder and striker when the transfer window re-opens, while trying to seal extensions to the loan players he has at Victoria Park.

While new talent is required, the manager insists it is just as important that his side “turn up” starting with today’s Boxing Day battle with Notts County (kick-off 3pm).

Getting that extra few per cent from his players could make all the difference to Pools and climbing up the table.

“At this level, so much is about does your team turn up on a Saturday?” said Moore.

“If the players turn up you have a chance but too many times we haven’t turned up.

“That’s the disappointing thing, the consistency.

“It must be great to be an Arsene Wenger or Manuel Pellegrini.

“They know their team is going to come out and play.

“But in the lower half of League Two, you don’t know what you are going to get.

“I could tell you 10 minutes into the match what we are going to get, it isn’t right, but that’s how it is.”