HE’S twice been in charge of Tranmere, was a centre forward there of some repute. Today Ronnie Moore goes back to Prenton Park hoping for a repeat of the last Tranmere v Hartlepool game.

April 2013, Moore’s Rovers were beaten by John Hughes’ Pools.

“Last time Hartlepool were there, Tranmere lost 1-0 and Luke James ran us ragged – he was fantastic, maybe it’s a lucky ground for us. Same result will do,’’ he quipped.

James was so impressive that day he was given a standing ovation by the Prenton Park crowd when he was substituted with three minutes to go.

Neil Austin’s penalty – after loan defender from Middlesbrough Ben Gibson pulled Peter Hartley in the area – proved enough.

Pools were relegated that season. Moore’s task, no matter how big a task that is, to avoid the drop.

“It’s hard, but we can’t keep saying the same problems caught up with us each week, we have to stick together, roll their sleeves up and have a go – do that and there will be enough to get out of this mess,’’ he insisted.

And in his former place of work today, the home dug out will be Mickey Adams. He was appointed in mid-October to his 11th managerial position.

He’s lifted Rovers with seven wins and seven draws from 19 games. As manager of Port Vale earlier this season he has already overseen a 6-2 Capital One Cup win over Pools.

“Mickey is someone I know well – getting him in there was the right decision to do. It should have been done earlier really, a bit like here,’’ said Moore.

“He’s had the time to get it right, but he knows the game inside out, he likes to entertain and play. This won’t be a physical one, they will try and play and get it down. He’s got a lot of new players in.

“I tried to get hold of Jennison Myrie-Williams a few weeks ago when I spoke to (Scunthorpe boss) Mark Robins, but he’s on decent money. If they are going to pay what I was quoted then they have done well!’’

Moore’s record at Pools is tamer, one win and two draws from six. It’s down to the paucity of his options and nature of the squad than anything the manager can or can’t do.

He said: “There’s a lot riding on this, we would have liked to be closer to them and I’ve said let’s go and show no fear. There will be a great atmosphere, one to enjoy and if that’s not the case then they shouldn’t be playing.

“The season has to start somewhere, let’s make it this weekend.

“Let’s see how many we can go unbeaten, how many clean sheets we can keep – at this moment we don’t look like we can keep one.’’

Pools kept a clean sheet for 45 minutes last week at promotion-chasing Shrewsbury, before three quick second-half goals ended any aspirations of a positive return.

“It was self-destruct a bit last time, it was individual errors and that’s why we are in this situation,’’ the manager admitted.

“People expect them to beat us. I think they are in a position if they lose it doesn’t really matter as they have points to play with – defeat would close the gap, but they aren’t under any pressure at all.

“They can go and enjoy it, we can too. There’s pressure to win games every week. The three new lads have made us better and I can see an improvement and how certain aspects of the game are better.

“I thought we had mastered the defensive part, but then it showed last week that when we concede we collapse like a pack of cards.

“There’s no leader in there to organise and keep it tight. Go one down and there’s still time to get back and not to panic.’’