LIKE ourselves, Hartlepool United are one of a few teams in this League who haven't been able to achieve the required level of consistency so far this season.

After Tuesday's defeat at the hands of Leicester City, the players have the opportunity to bounce straight back on Saturday. We're always going to create chances, but at the same time we have to give ourselves a solid foundation at the back on which to build.

The lads have given me everything so far, even though the adverse winter weather has meant that we have been unable to do the work on the training ground that I would have liked. Our supporters too have been right behind us; I think that they can see we are trying to play football the right way.

We have to remain positive and push on together. Against Leeds United we set the standard and showed what we are capable of and that's what we have to try to achieve as the games continue to come thick and fast.

CHRIS HUTCHINGS