Hartlepool United boss Graeme Lee is impressed with the squad he has inherited since joining the club over a week ago.

The Pools are unbeaten under Lee, having defeated Sheffield Wednesday and Lincoln City in the EFL Trophy and FA Cup respectively. More importantly, last night's 2-1 comeback victory against Rochdale saw them leap to twelfth in the league, within five points of the play-off places.

Midfielder Mark Shelton clinched all three points in stoppage time, after striker Mark Cullen equalised just after the hour mark.

Prior to the new coach's reign, United had lost all five of their league fixtures, conceding fifteen goals. Fortunately, the tides have turned and the manager praised his players in his post-match interview.

"You want to win home games, that’s our main thing. We want to be a challenge and not make games easy at home," said Lee, as quoted by the Northern Echo.

“Since coming in, (I have seen that) they are an honest bunch of lads and they work hard everyday and push each other. It showed when the two lads (Joe Grey and Tom Crawford) came on. The impact they made on the game was massive for us."

“(It was) a great reward from two cup games. You love it but the league is the important one and to get the win is fantastic for us all.”

The Verdict

Graeme Lee has every right to be impressed with his squad and the reaction they have shown since his arrival.

Hartlepool appear more resilient at the back, while players like Shelton have hit a purple patch of form further up the pitch. There is also a renewed attacking threat, which is always vital in mounting a play-off push.

The next three games could be favourable for United, as they face two teams below them in Scunthorpe and Colchester, and travel to division neighbours Mansfield on Boxing Day.

If they continue to improve under their new boss, Hartlepool could be serious promotion contenders come the end of the season.