MANAGER of the month Mike Newell last night paid tribute to the legacy left by Chris Turner as he lifted his first honour as Hartlepool United boss.

An unbeaten January was enough for Newell to collect the honour, but he admits his job has been easy thanks to Turner leaving the club in such a good position.

"It's started well and we've had some good results, but I can't emphasise how much of a good team Chris Turner left for me here," he admitted. "Not just good players but good lads as well. They are well disciplined and I've had a great response.

"I was extremely lucky; taking over a club at the top of the league with a good set of players."

Newell, who was presented with the award by former World Cup referee Jack Taylor on Tuesday, revealed giving the player a touch of self-belief was the key to keeping their promotion charge on track.

He said: "Just after I took over we had a little bit of bad form - we lost two games away from home - and people started to worry, but I just said to the lads 'Nobody's panicking, we know you're a good side and we know you're a good set of lads and we'll get the best out of you.'

"As I said, the lads responded brilliantly. They really are a great bunch and they play as a team."

Newell has former Everton and Republic of Ireland winger Kevin Sheedy as his assistant and added: "I was lucky enough to be able to get Kevin in," Newell added.

"He's very organised and methodical about his job and he's been a great help to me.

"I needed somebody I could trust and I can trust him implicitly.

"He's got a wealth of experience: he has played in World Cups and European Championships and the highest level in the domestic game. But he's a very unassuming fella and that's probably one of the things I like best about him."

Meanwhile, former Pool keeper Andy Dibble has been fined by the FA after abusing Pool supporters following the game with Wrexham at Victoria Park on October 19.

Dibble, a former Pool keeper, angrily gestured to the Town End at the end of the game after being taunted by fans. An FA panel was set up to investigate events and opted to fine, and not suspend, the much-travelled keeper.

* Pool reserves' home match against Grimsby was called off yesterday due to a frozen pitch.

Read more about Hartlepool here.