Pools boss reveals steely resolve

Turner was appointed director of sport during the summer

Hartlepool director of sport Chris Turner believes a new-found defensive mentality has been the catalyst for the club's impressive start to the season.

Pools drew at MK Dons on the opening day and knocked out Championship side Coventry in the League Cup with an extra-time goal from Adam Boyd.

"(Last season) we were going to places, knocking the ball around, looking like a side but losing," he told BBC Tees.

"It's being hard to beat and hard to break down, having spirit and belief."

Turner took over from former boss Danny Wilson on a caretaker basis midway through last season, and this summer has been his first full pre-season with the squad.

And the former Sheffield Wednesday and Stockport boss is delighted with the physical condition of his players thus far, particularly after a gruelling half hour of extra time in the win at Coventry.

"You look at your pre-season work and your fitness, look at the the boys tonight, they ran their socks for the full game with extra-time and showed that they're fit," he said.

"That will give us momentum to take into the Charlton game."

Pools' reward for the win against Coventry is a tie with Premier League newcomers Burnley but Turner is keen to retain a focus on league matters.

"Whenever you play a Premier League side it's something to look forward to, something for the fans to look forward to," he said.

"My main objective this season is to get that spirit back into the supporters and also have a good season in League One.

"Any cup win is a bonus, we've beaten a Championship side, we're playing a Premier League side, but it's a bonus, I keep my eyes on the league."