Pools defender issues inspiring message to Hartlepool United teammates ahead of Wealdstone National League clash.

Sam Lavelle has made an instant impact at Hartlepool United during his loan spell from Grimsby Town - and he has an inspiring message for his teammates ahead of the return of National League action.

The central defender was one of head coach Pete Wild’s first signings after taking charge and he will now spend a further month at The Vic after his loan deal was extended. The 30-year-old has made three appearances for Pools since signing against Hornchurch, Fylde and Boreham Wood. Pools return to action on Saturday at The Vic when Wealdstone visit.

"When you look at the results, you worry about what you're coming into, but I've seen some good signs over the last few weeks," Lavelle told BBC Radio Tees at the pre-match press conference.

"The gaffer has made a massive difference in terms of work rate, we're looking fitter and training harder with more intensity and the results in the last three or four weeks have not reflected the performances. If you look at the games this month, they're all winnable," he added. "I said to the lads after Boreham Wood that we're a bigger club than most teams in this league and we should be going into matches with a slight arrogance in a way.

"That's a big thing to get that belief back. I can't question the work rate - I see it every day in training - but I can question the belief which is understandable as results haven't been great, so that's the main thing."