The twin aim this week of Hartlepool United head coach Pete Wild.
Having pulled Pools out of the National League’s relegation zone with a thrilling 4-2 win at Forest Green Rovers at the weekend, Wild’s focus now turns to the visit of Marine in the FA Cup this Saturday (kick-off 3pm).
Boosted by an injection of ‘new manager bounce’ Pools will be looking for more of the same for this fourth qualifying round tie against the Liverpool outfit, who ply their trade in National League North.
Despite plundering four goals, Wild continues to sound a cautionary note as he looks revive Pools after their ghastly start to the season.
“I said it will take six to eight weeks and I still believe that,” he explained.
“There will be bumps during that six to eight weeks, it ain’t going to be pain sailing after we’ve won one game of football.
“Scoring four will give them confidence, belief in what the coaches are asking them to do, and knowing that they can dig deep and get over the line.
“There were some great points [on Saturday], but no way are we near the finished article. There are lots of things we need to be better at but we are working ever so hard to get it right.”
Wild is hoping to have a big, passionate crowd behind his side as Pools bid to reach for the first round proper for the first time since 2022.
There is a decent chance of that too, with Pools reducing their admission prices, with adult entry priced at £12 and concessions at £8.
Two of the last three home matches have seen disillusioned fans vent their anger but Wild has urged the Vic faithful to get behind the boys in blue and white this Saturday.
“The anger has been here for four or five years,” the head coach told Life.
“I understand the frustration.
“There was the demise of the club, a return to the EFL and then falling out of the league again.
“Then after all the sweeping statements made in the summer I know that they are now doubly frustrated.
“I’m an Oldham fan so I know what rubbish looks like. I’ve watched it for years.
”I would never disrespect the fans here – I get it.
“All I would ask of our supporters is that they curb their frustrations during the game to try to help us.
“No-one in the world plays better when being screamed at or booed, certainly in this generation.
“Help them get over the line – push them, drive them, that’s the only way they’ll get better.”
Wild is in something of an unenviable position of knowing that he needs results to get the Vic rocking again, while asking for patience and support from the terraces.
“The way to create a feel-good factor is by winning footy matches,” said Wild. “But what experience has taught me is that it doesn’t happen overnight.
“That’s why I’ve said that it will take six to eight weeks.
“It gets incrementally better – it doesn’t go from zero to hero, we need time to make it better.
“Hopefully, we’ll be sitting here at Christmas saying ‘that was a scare’ [earlier in the season] but we are moving in the right direction.”
Author: Roy
Author of Sports Life and all sports articles.