“I THINK, honest to God, there’s a bright future here and we just need to latch onto it, do that and this club will grow.’’ Dave Jones, Saturday February 4, 2017.

It’s not a statement a manager of Jones’ stature and standing would say lightly, but it’s a phrase which indicates how much he is enjoying being in the management game again.

Appointed almost three weeks ago, Jones has watched three different sides of his players: A stand-out show over Stevenage, a miserable defeat at Newport and a sprightly performance against Yeovil.

There’s much to change at the club from Jones, probably more than he imagined when he agreed to take the job on.

But while there’s plenty going on behind the scenes and inside the club, it’s on the pitch that matters short-term.

Pools need wins, they need results to lift them away from the trench at the foot of the table which they have become accustomed to in recent years.

Perhaps, but for some inexperience on two fronts they would have earned a win over Yeovil.

Andrew Nelson, on his Football League debut, conceded a penalty from which the visitors levelled. But Pools only led for five minutes, showing their failings in conceding so soon after taking the lead.

Pools have played a passing game this season, but have been keeping the ball for the sake of it. Keep-ball without any end product.

Technically-astute footballers, but without a toughness needed in League Two. Jones and his staff are out to change that.

They are moving the ball around quicker, with much more purpose and the way they switched play with crossfield passes was clear to see at the weekend.

Adopting a new formation, away from the regulation 4-3-3, Pools had two sitting midfielders in Brad Walker and Nicky Featherstone which suited both.

It took the sole holding responsibility away from Featherstone, and surrounded by blue and white shirts is a comfort for Walker as the player from three seasons ago is being unearthed.

Ahead of them came a line of three: Padraig Amond in the middle, flanked by Lewis Alessandra and Nelson.

Amond needs to play further up field, but adapted to the role and his goal was both superbly taken and brilliantly set up by a ranging Nelson cross.

Nelson showed plenty of potential, with his direct running and willingness to get involved, likewise fellow loan signing Louis Rooney.

Jones said: “We defended better this week against a big side and we asked for it – they are learning and listening.

“I’m learning, we all are. Staff at all levels are. It’s different for me as well. The dug out was a bit different for me too.

“We passed it well, I’ve said on Friday to the fans that we have good technical players. Can we bosh it? No. But we can move it quicker and more effectively.

“Every department at the club – me, my staff and we all can better. Everything in the club is changing for the better.

“Supporters will see a different style. We may sign a six foot five striker and play that way. We just have to find the formula and fit the players into it.

“The formula and everything else we have brought with us works, and it’s been proved it works. In two games it’s worked for us in terms of improved performances, at Newport they tried to do it but couldn’t on a beach.’’

Pools were denied victory by Matty Dolan, the Glovers’ midfielder slotting in the second-half penalty. He almost won it too, denied by Adam Bartlett after his free-kick went over the wall and looked set for the top corner.

Hartlepool-born, he twice had loan spells at Pools while a Middlesbrough player and it’s wrong a player of his ability left the region to sign for Yeovil.

With his family and friends watching, he didn’t celebrate after scoring and admitted: “It wasn’t a pretty first-half. Once we equalised we had chances to win it.

“I’m happy to convert that penalty and as I stood over it the keeper gave me room to aim for.

“I’ve all my family here, some friends in the pools end, all my family in the Yeovil end, and my best mate too.’’