Hartlepool United's top scorer Rhys Oates says he doesn't think he's silencing any former critics after earning a string of club awards this season. 

The striker picked up the Players Player of the Year and the Fans Player of the Year award after scoring 14 goals this season and helping Pools to finishing fourth in the table. 

"It's an unbelievable feeling. It's been a good year for me all round" says Oates. 

"I didn't have a great year last year, I was injured for six months. I didn't really play much.

"The gaffer gave me an opportunity to come back and show what I am capable of. It's all worked out perfectly this year.

"I try to get myself as fit as possible and be confident. I'm a lot more confident in my own ability than what I was a couple of years ago in my first spell when I was here.

"In front of goal, on the ball, I'm a lot more confident. That's whats helped me.

"The fans all know what I'm capable of, they all know that I'll work hard.

"The last time I was here they all said I worked hard. It was just my end product. 

"I think I've proved this year that I've got that. It's just come with confidence and experiencing my own game."

Recently, the Pools boss Dave Challinor said that Oates has proved a point to fans after returning for his second spell at the club in the summer. 

However, speaking after scoring in the 4-0 win over Weymouth, the 26-year-old says his mindset tells him differently. 

"I don't see it as proving my critics wrong or anything. Personally I just think I've done a lot better here than in my previous spell. 

"Playing a lot more central is what it's come from. I think I've played the majority of my time out wide in my first spell here. 

"Quite a lot of my time at Morecambe, I played on the left of a front three. 

"Getting a partnership with Luke Armstrong, we work well together. Danny Elliott's come in today and worked his socks off and it's what you want in a partner. You just help each other really. 

"I just work as hard as I can everyday and put my all into everything. 

"My sprints and my high intensity runnings are always high. 

"The most I've scored in a season is seven and I've managed to double that this season. 

"But in terms of in the game, affecting the game in other aspects, this has been my best season.

"I did say I wanted 15 goals this season so I'm glad we've made the play-offs.

"I'm confident I'll get to that."

Pools 4-0 win over Weymouth yesterday set up a National League play-off tie with Bromley next Sunday at Victoria Park. 

"I'm confident going into it" said Oates.

We're going to be at home again and we're going to have the fans. It's like a twelfth man. They get right behind you. 

"If we play like we did today we can beat anyone."