CURLE: WE’RE GUT ENOUGH

KEITH CURLE was unaware that Hartlepool’s failure to end a 19-game winless run had sent them crashing to the bottom of the Football League.

The new boss (below) claims he doesn’t look at tables at this stage of the season but he has an upbeat message for any Pools fan fretting over a second relegation in six years.

“Whether it’s me or the jobs I attract, most clubs have been on a downward spiral and I’ve turned them around,” said Curle, who has replaced Paul Hartley.

While his troubled spell at Oldham last year was a notable exception, the 58-year-old’s record does give Pools cause for optimism. This bore draw may have provided little evidence of an immediate upturn but if, Curle’s selfbelief rubs off on his players, there could be better times ahead.

“I can get this place bouncing again,” he said. “Supporters want blood and guts and a mentality to run and run. Let’s make it a hard place to come.

“I didn’t know our position until someone told me and it’s a talking point and a barometer of where we are as a club.

“But we are working on foundations and have a plan in place to win more games.

“I understand this division, I understand what is required, and the building blocks are there. The clean sheet is a good start.

“We’re not going to win the next 37 games and gain promotion but there will be changes which will improve us.”

Gillingham, only two points better off, were fortunate to escape with a point as the hosts pummelled their goal late on (Jack Hamilton, above, after missing a chance).

Manager Neil Harris knows his side lack firepower but was satisfied with the character shown. “If you cannot win a game because you haven’t got enough quality, then you have to make sure you get at least a point and we did that,” he said.