RICHARD MONEY will make demands on Hartlepool United, while challenging staff and officials at the club.

Chief executive Mark Maguire was part of the recruitment process at the Super 6 Stadium, as Pools appointed Money on Tuesday morning.

He’s a manager who has enjoyed success in the National League with Luton and Cambridge and Maguire admits the trio overseeing the process, himself, director of football Craig Hignett and chairman Raj Singh, were instantly impressed with his outlook.

Maguire explained: “We had a very open mind when we started the process and we said from the start we should interview a balance of candidates – we spoke previously about developing a young manager and working with him in our system.

“But we felt we should speak to experienced managers as well and challenge that thinking. We narrowed the shortlist to those and decided who among the experienced candidates we would speak to and also with the younger managers.

“Richard was selected in that respect to interview and to say he challenged our thinking is an understatement really. He blew us away really.’’

Tellingly, Money’s success came with two other former Football League clubs stuttering in the National League and changing the outlook at the club appears key.

“He completely understood where we are at as a club - and the challenge mentally as a club to understand where we are now,’’ added Maguire.

“I feel really strongly that the club has to understand where it is, respect it and earn the right to get out of the division.

“If you carry on thinking you are a Football League club then you are going to be around here for a very long time and there’s examples out there.

“He came with an understanding of where we are, an understanding of the players we have got, an understanding of how to play football in this division. And he has had success in doing so, while he’s always willing to buy into our philosophy and structure.

“Very quickly he rose to the top of the list.’’

He added: “I think Richard’s experience is invaluable. As a club, as individuals, myself, Craig, the office staff, coaching staff we all need challenging to make sure we are doing the right things to look after the chairman’s investment and help get us out of this league as quickly as possible.

“It feels like the perfect combination and he knows the players, the style of play – and knows success in the division. He was an impressive candidate.’’