UNDER-FIRE Hartlepool United boss Darren Sarll is hoping to be able to rebuild his relationship with the club’s supporters.

Sarll’s position has been called into question in recent weeks as Pools have slid down the National League table.

Having been booed by his own fans after the recent defeat to Rochdale, Sarll was subjected to a series of chants calling for his dismissal as he side struggled in the first half of last weekend’s home defeat with Sutton.

Pools recovered in the second half to claim a dramatic 4-3 win, but after the game, Sarll still felt compelled to admit the abuse he received prior to his side’s comeback was ‘the worst he had experienced in football’.

Sarll’s side return to action in the final qualifying round of the FA Cup this afternoon, hosting Brackley, who are currently 12th in National League north, and the Pools boss is hoping he can win round the supporters who have been questioning his position.

“My job as the leader of the football team is to be consistent at all times," said Sarll. “I hold myself accountable to those behaviours and I feel that I've carried myself with real sincerity whatever the score and outcome.

“That's important to the leader of any team because you want your players to follow suit. I think it's important that it's consistent all the way through the season. I'm always respectful because that's the way I've been brought up and I'll continue to be so.”

Today’s game is something of a banana skin given that Pools are hosting a team from the league below them, but Sarll wants to see his players getting on the front foot.

One of the key criticisms of recent performances is that Pools have been too passive, particularly when playing at home, and that is something the former Stevenage and Yeovil boss accepts needs addressing.

“We definitely need to see more,” said Sarll. “I think we have to do more, especially here. It's always been my way, for sure, but here we just have to.

“Now, knowing the club better than I did when I arrived, I think there has to be that determination to get on the front foot and be aggressive. It's so important and we've got so much work to do.”