Pete Wild warns Hartlepool United must prepare for 'a bumpy road' as Pools look to overcome slow start to new season

Having been touted as possible National League title contenders ahead of the new campaign, Pools, who assembled an almost entirely new squad over the summer, are only above the relegation zone on goal difference following a torrid start to the season.

After winning each of their opening two matches without conceding, a run of 10 defeats in 12 games - that's excluding National League Cup fixtures, of which Pools have lost all three - has left Wild's side at major risk of getting dragged into a relegation dogfight at the wrong end of the division.