RICHARD MONEY has arrived at Hartlepool United and is able to offer a fresh look at the club as an outsider.

He’s managed and played against Pools over the years, while there’s something of a reunion with some of his players.

Three of the current Pools squad have been under Money’s wing in the past – two while he was Academy chief at Newcastle and one during his time as Cambridge boss.

Ryan Donaldson was one of his main performers at the Abbey Stadium. Last season at Pools was an injury-hit write off, but he’s made an impression this time around.

Money said: “There is a lot of familiarity to be honest, football is quite a small community.

“Donaldson, Newton, McLaughlin were all at Newcastle, Davies I’ve tried to sign a couple of times, Magnay was at Gateshead when we won the play-off final with Cambridge, Loach I know well, Featherstone was at Walsall, Noble is well respected at this level … I haven’t missed anyone have I?

“I know most of them and there are probably only one or two I could not give an opinion on.

“But it’s important I don’t come here with too many preconceptions.’’

He added: “It’s definitely good to come in fresh. The main job at this particular time is to make the best of what you’ve got, make them as best as they can be.

“They are lacking a bit of confidence and we have to rebuild that pretty quickly.’’

Money was on the training ground on Thursday ahead of Saturday’s game at Leamington in the FA Trophy. He will be without Peter Kioso for the game, the defender injured in last weekend’s win at Maidenhead.

Alongside him in the dug out will be Ged McNamee, who is staying as first-team coach.

The pair were former North-East rivals – Money at Newcastle, with McNamee his Academy counterpart at Sunderland.

He has no qualms working together: “There’s a structure here, a plan. I have never been a manager who has had a person or group of people tied to my hip. No issue coming in with the current staff whatever.

“It’s always made sense to me to give the people in-situ a chance to show what they can do. They are often good at their job so nothing changes.

“I wouldn’t say I know Ged well but I know him.

“I did say to the players and staff that if I’ve crossed swords with any of them on the touchline at any time then apologies! All is fair in love and war.’’