Turner is in his second spell as Hartlepool boss

Hartlepool United boss Chris Turner insists supporters will have to remain patient while he sets about rebuilding the squad.

Pools suffered a 2-0 defeat by Charlton on Saturday and Turner said fans will need to have realistic expectations this season.

"I'm not looking for us to be better than all these clubs who've spent masses of money," he told BBC Tees.

"What I'm looking for is gradual improvement, and a good season."

One positive for Hartlepool against Charlton was the performance of summer signing Denis Behan.

The Irish striker arrived at Pools from Cork City and Turner sees a comparison with one of his former charges.

"I gave Chris Brunt a debut at Sheffield Wednesday a number of years back and we had a free-kick, on his debut, first game at home and 35 yards out, and he rocketed it in right into the top corner," he said.

"The crowd today would have looked at Denis and thought - 'there's a player there.'

"He's got a good touch and a cannonball of a strike."

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