ECHOSPORT talks to Hartlepool United fan Jordan Richardson ahead of this weekend's clash with Southend United.

Hartlepool started the season with a 1-0 win at Yeovil Town. What was your take on the game?

"The opening day at Yeovil was really positive.

"Darren Sarll collected three points and a clean sheet upon his return to a former club and his first in charge of Pools.

"I felt it was a game that Pools would have lost in previous seasons, it wasn’t pretty with free flowing football but it was effective with the high press and intensity.

"Our revamped midfield appeared to be mobile and combative, whilst we were really well organised and structured defensively."

What are your hopes for this season now?

"My hopes for the season ahead are to finish in the play-offs.

"Whilst the National League has lost some big hitters in the likes of Chesterfield, Wrexham, Notts County and Stockport in recent seasons, the division is wide open and is as competitive as ever.

"After a mediocre mid-table finish of 12th last term, I’d like to have something exciting riding on the last few games of the season so my expectation is that of a play-off finish."

You have changed managers since the end of last season with Darren Sarll coming in. How have things changed since his appointment?

"There has been a huge overhaul in personnel across the summer, both on and off the pitch.

"Darren Sarll has been really measured and meticulous with his recruitment, not signing players for the sake of it but signing those who are best suited to the way he wants to play.

"The style of play has changed drastically, we’re far more direct with an emphasis on winning second balls through Mani Dieseruvwe, playing higher up the pitch and attempting to capitalise on errors from teams attempting to play out from the back.

"Pools certainly look a lot more bigger, far more physical and combative based on the opening day at Yeovil."

Who is the dangerman?

"Our dangerman is Mani Dieseruvwe.

"The six foot five inch tall striker scored 25 goals in 41 appearances last season.

"Mani is the main man for Pools, everything goes through him and albeit a big man, he’s one of the most complete strikers in the National League and links up really well with Joe Grey."

What's the team news?

"The intense style of play may have taken its toll on no-nonsense centre-back Luke Waterfall last weekend as he pulled up with some cramp during the game that has limited his training availability this week, Billy Sass-Davies will be in line to replace the Pools captain.

"At the time of writing, Waterfall is yet to feature in training.

"It looks as though Saturday may come too soon for Irish midfielder Greg Sloggett who picked up an ankle injured in pre-season against Sunderland u21.