OUTSIDERS for promotion and ranked amongst the candidates for the drop; fair to say the bookmakers don’t have much faith in Hartlepool United next season.

Following a run of disappointing seasons at Victoria Park, it’s not that surprising to see Pools listed among the long shots for success.

For boss Craig Hignett, who improved fortunes after his appointment in February, and is developing a promising squad over the summer, the prices don’t bother him one bit.

“What the bookmakers say doesn’t concern me," said Hignett.

"I don’t want to look down, I want this to be an exciting season and no-one should be happy with avoiding relegation, it’s not about that.

“I want us to have something to go for.

"We could be tenth and then you have a chance of seventh.’’

Pools were among the form teams and enjoyed some fine results and displays in March and April, and Hignett, whose side have their first friendly on Saturday at Billingham Town.

"This division is much of a muchness and it doesn’t take a lot - consistency and organisation is important.

“I’ve signed ambitious players, with a point to prove.

"I don’t see us staying in this league, I want us to push up and I want players to have the same outlook.’’

After adding Padraig Amond, Toto Nsalia, Lewis Alessandra and Nicky Deverdcis to his first-team squad, he added: “We are organised and know what we want.

"We will be exciting and I want a free-flowing football team who people will enjoy watching.

“If we get beat 4-3 then so be it.

"Curtis goes mad sometimes, he’s like my little sidekick saying ‘we shouldn’t really be doing that'."

With Curtis Fleming working alongside Hignett, there is scope to make an extra addition to the coaching staff.

Last season, Hignett pondered the appointment of an assistant boss with Fleming operating as first-team coach.

However, the boss is happy with his lot.

“We do a lot of coaching and if we need help then the option is there for me – at the moment I think we are okay," Hignett said.

“The staff here are a good unit – it’s important we are all together and they all know what I want from the players.

"If anyone goes to them and asks something they will get the same answer they would from me. Don’t ask the question if you are going to be scared of the answer."