Micky Barron feels Hartlepool United look 'stronger, fitter and more organised' under Pete Wild

Although Pools have lost three of their first five National League games since Wild replaced Lee Clark as head coach at the beginning of October, there has been plenty to suggest that things are beginning to head in the right direction under the 42-year-old.

Wild took charge with Pools in a precarious position at the wrong end of the table following Clark's brief but turbulent time at the helm.

After Pools opted not to offer Nicky Featherstone, who made 453 appearances at Victoria Park before hanging up his boots to take over as head coach, a new contract at the end of last season, the club seemed to be closing in on a deal to appoint former Sunderland captain Lee Cattermole as their new boss in the spring.