ENTERING the first steps on his managerial career, Paul Murray is happy with the familiarity at Hartlepool United.

Appointed nine days ago, Murray started with a defeat at Cambridge last Saturday, but today leads his team at Victoria Park for the first time, with Newport the visitors.

His last outing at his new home came in a 2-1 home defeat to Oldham in December 2012, before then manager John Hughes moved him on.

He went to Oldham as a player, but soon became part of the coaching set-up under Lee Johnson.

Back at Pools, he admits there’s more to returning than seeing some old faces, former team-mates and club staff.

He needs and wants help from all areas. Yesterday he completed the signing of midfielder Nicky Featherstone and Dutch winger Sidney Schmeltz. Both will be involved this afternoon.

Murray admitted: “I’ve come to a club where I’ve been before which helps me. But I need everyone around me to help me – I’ve got Willie (Donachie), Sam (Collins), the chairman, Russ (Green) and everyone else and we all need to chip in and help.

“I’ve come from Oldham, a club where we all mucked in and formed a real bond together, that’s that aim at Hartlepool and everyone has been really good helping, but of course I’m going to need help. I’ve got my knowledge and sources to tap into, but we all need to do our part.’’

Murray departed an Oldham team which has moved forward in the last 18 monhs, after playing a key role in the development of the club.

“I left Oldham, which has progressed while I’ve been there and I’ve been part of that progression, part of the coaching, part of the recruitment, part of getting players to a level,’’ he reflected.

“Where they may be 70 per cent right now, I get them to 80 or 90 per cent every week, so they are getting seven and eight out of ten every week and not four or five and maybe one odd seven every five games.

“We can’t have inconsistency, I’ve been part of improving things at Oldham and it’s a good blueprint, but I’ve got my own ideas on management which will be different to what the manager at Oldham has been doing.’’

Murray, who made 105 appearances for Pools from August 2010 to January 2013, added: “I did a little bit of coaching here at the school of excellence when I was a player, then I went to Oldham on loan as a player and not many people get the chance to finish their career and go straight into a coaching job or a position as assistant manager, so that was really good for me.

“It put me in good stead for now, two years of that helped.

“I know a few of the lads here, there’s a few familiar faces still around, but the place needs new faces. It needs livening up, I know what that brings – competition for places.

“One of my things last Saturday, I wrote on the board – keep the shirt. Play well enough, and it’s yours to keep.

“As a player I would do everything in my power to keep it and that’s what I’ve done as a player myself.’’

Murray was signed by Mick Wadsworth as Pools. The fifth time the pair had linked up as player and manager. It’s only natural he would turn to Wadsworth for some advice.

“I’ve spoke to Mick Wadsworth lately, I’ve had some good advice from him and spoke on many occasions over the last few months,’’ he said. “He said good luck, just be yourself – and that’s what I will be.’’

Today’s visitors have moved into the play-off zone on the back of a run of four wins from six, but with a lengthy injury and illness list.

Murray said: “Newport have been doing well, we know that. We have to keep the back door closed, but create going forward too.

“What I saw second-half last Saturday was that we can create chances and, working with the lads this week, I hope we can do more.

“We had chances, first-half we weren’t great with the ball, but defensively we weren’t bad. Brad Walker got on the ball more, Marlon Harewood has been out of the picture, but came back in and did well.

“Individuals did well.

“I don’t think Newport will change much from how they have played. We will work on it before the game and be ready for them, for sure.’’