MIKE NEWELL today collects his first honour as Hartlepool United manager, but refuses to consider the bigger prize which could be winging its way to Victoria Park.

Newell was yesterday named Division Three manager of the month for January after raking in 16 points from 18 and will be presented with his award at Krimo's Restaurant, Hartlepool Marina, this afternoon.

But despite his side blazing a trail at the top of the table - an unbackable 1-4 to win the title and 1-20 to be promoted - Newell isn't looking ahead, or looking at his side as potential champions.

"I don't know what a championship side looks like because we aren't champions are we?'' he said.

"I don't know what the benchmark is, but that has to be the aim and if we are still up here in the top position come a couple of months then we will be pleased.

"This award is good for the club and everyone who works here, but I will be taking it all with a pinch of salt to be honest.

"This is only a short-term thing and we all know what we want in the long term.''

Newell was appointed manager in November and has kept Pool at the top, extending their advantage to eight points.

Saturday's win over Torquay was their fifth of 2003 and he added: "We could have scored a few more against Torquay, but that's being a bit greedy to be honest.''

Pool chairman Ken Hodcroft added: "We made the decision to appoint Mike and he has demonstrated that he has the ability we believed he had.

"It wasn't an easy task to take over the club in the position we were. Chris Turner has done a great job in pulling this squad together and Mike had to ensure the players responded to him, which they did.''

Saturday's win over Torquay came thanks to two Darrell Clarke goals in a solid second-half display and Newell admitted: "At half-time we asked them for a little bit more.

"Darrell was tremendous. He created the winner and got his two goals. It was a lovely cross for the winner -he was full of energy and up and down the pitch.''

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