PATIENCE is the watchword for Hartlepool United and Ritchie Humphreys this season.

Pool start their days in Division Two with a trip to Peterborough on Saturday.

And after being among the most entertaining teams in the lower division in the last few seasons, Humphreys appreciates how much harder things are going to be over the next nine months.

"Last year we knew what our aims were - it was clear to everyone and it's different this season,'' he said.

"It's vital we get off to a good start because it gives you a platform to build on.

"It's a new division and everyone is looking ahead to it. This season will be all about everyone pulling together in the right direction and digging in for each other.''

Humphreys, named in the PFA team of the year last season, admitted: "We aren't expecting anything spectacular this year, but we are not expecting to fail.

"I think our aim is just to do as well as possible at Victoria Park and then pick up what we can away for home.

"It may be a case of changing formation in away games this season and seeing what we can get.

"We did it at certain times last year and there are occasions when it has to be done.''

And Humphreys, who this afternoon launches his book, From Tears to Cheers, Ritchie Humphreys Promotion Diary, added: "Look at Newcastle, they let us play at times because they backed themselves not to let us through them.

"We have to be patient and keep the ball when we can.

"We've done a lot of work pre-season on keeping the ball and working on when we haven't got the ball - being a bit more patient in trying to get it back.

"You have to remember that we will be playing against better players and better teams than last season.''

Pool met the best last Friday when they were beaten 6-0 by Newcastle at Victoria Park and Humphreys admitted: "Newcastle deserve everything they get. It was excellent to play against them. They don't only do everything so well, but so quickly as well.

"Full credit to them, they gave a very professional performance when, perhaps, they didn't need to. That was more or less their first team, there was only one or two missing, but that team could do well in the Premier League.

"Everyone is so comfortable on the ball and while we may tend to give it away quite easily, they showed us how it is done.

"They read the game so well, intercept passes all the time and then keep the ball when they have it.

"But I though at times we played some good stuff, without creating much.

"We showed some good touches.''

Read more about Hartlepool here.