Hartlepool United: Ronnie Moore wants new start after Tranmere exit

Manager Ronnie Moore says the Hartlepool United job is a "great opportunity" to put his sacking by Tranmere Rovers behind him.

Moore was dismissed by Rovers in April after he admitted breaking Football Association betting rules.

However, the 61-year-old has now been given the task of retaining Pools' league status by owners TMH 2014 Ltd.

"The last thing you want is to be remembered for something stupid with the FA," Moore told BBC Tees.

"It was a crazy thing to do, and a crazy decision by Tranmere to let me go. I'm back to prove a point.

"We're now fighting with them for survival and it would be nice for both teams to stay up. There's no magic wand; there's no messiah; it's a great opportunity for me."

Pools, who removed Paul Murray from his post earlier this month, are currently bottom of the Football League after 20 games and are, effectively, seven points adrift on 12 points with a minus-24 goal difference.

Their last League Two fixture ended in a 4-0 defeat by Burton, while their FA Cup run was ended by non-league Blyth Spartans before a nationwide TV audience.

Confidence has been low, but Moore is positive about turning form around - starting with Oxford United at Victoria Park on Saturday.

"It's not an impossible task, we've got 26 games to play," Moore said.

"I watched the side at Burton and there was nothing in the game but once they concede a goal they fizz out like a bottle of pop.

"We've got to get the defensive unit right, we've got to get some more pace in the team.

"Saturday's so important - it's one we need to win."

Moore's appointment came on the day the club's former owners - Increased Oil Recovery Limited - ended their 17-year association with Pools, with the transfer of ownership to TMH.

The new owners say survival is their "main and immediate" target and Moore is expecting some help in the recruitment of new players in the loan market.

"I would imagine, depending on how the season goes, the owner wouldn't want to be forking out hundreds of thousands to bring in players with contracts and it not work out," Moore said.

"I've used the loan system all my life - at Rotherham, Tranmere and Oldham - there are good players out there.

"It's a matter of me doing my job right and finding the right players."

Ronnie Moore has managed Tranmere, Rotherham and Oldham in the Football League.