Pools boss seeks greater respect

Turner feels his side miss out on recognition for their form

Hartlepool United director of sport Chris Turner believes his side have failed to get the credit they deserve for their early season form.

Pools are in 13th place in League One, three points off the play-offs, and Turner believes in terms of budgets and success his side are competing well.

"People keep telling me how well these teams have started," he told BBC Tees.

"We're only three points behind teams who've spent a hell of a lot of money this summer on transfer fees."

He added: "It's a tight league and a few back-to-back wins shoot you up the table, losses bring you back down so we'll keep our feet on the ground."

Meanwhile, Turner paid tribute to midfielder Willie Boland after the Irishman retired from football on Wednesday.

Boland, 34, opted to call time on his career after 14 months out with a knee injury, and Turner hopes supporters remember the impact he had when fit for the club.

"It's obviously disappointing news, but what the crowd saw from Willie was a very experienced player who used his experience well, passed the ball well, kept the ball well for the team, broke up attacks by the opposition and he has been sorely missed by the players and the staff," he said.

"It's sad news for everybody."