SEVEN DAYS, three home games. Hartlepool United’s season will be shaped in the coming week.

A minimum return of seven points is needed if Pools are to go some way to avoiding a nervy ending to the season again.

Stevenage visit tonight, with Yeovil to come on Saturday and Notts County next Tuesday.

Tonight’s opposition were woeful in defeat to Crawley at home at the weekend, and last week sacked manager Teddy Sheringham amid a run of nine winless games.

Pools haven’t been too clever themselves and, while Luke James will make his return to the side this evening after a loan from Peterborough, boss Ronnie Moore is confident of an upturn in fortunes.

"We have nothing to fear,’’ he insisted. “I watched Yeovil and Luton last week - both teams had one shot on target and scored. It was a tight, defensive game, we know what to expect when we play Luton and Yeovil in the coming weeks.

"Yeovil have injuries and they only had six on the bench. But it's about us, not them or any opposition.

"We're at home three times this week, we should not worry about anyone.

"Just go and play, if we can do that, we are a million times better than an awful lot of teams at this level.’’

James and Billy Paynter will start up front this evening, with Nathan Thomas on the left wing in another new attacking outlook for Pools.

Rakish Bingham started last week, but disappointed, while Scott Fenwick has been left out of late despite a couple of goals.

Moore explained: “Scott Fenwick didn’t play last week (against Exeter) and it was because we went for pace, we felt their centre-halves were muscle men who would like to play against Scotty and not Bingham. I don’t think Bings is better than Scotty or vice versa, but it’s about what I feel will be best for us that day.

“Sometimes it doesn’t work and that’s what being a manager is about. But no-one is panicking, the dressing room is good.’’

He added: “Enjoy it, get the banter going and it will come and we will get that break we need. The crowd were patient against Exeter to be fair, especially latter part of the first-half. We came out and improved and didn’t break through.

“Their keeper didn’t make too many saves, but we should be creating at home and with Nathan, without pinning too much pressure on one boy, we have all seen what he is capable of.

“Let’s hope he can produce this week in, week out and then I’m sure there’s enough to satisfy every striker.’’

Sheringham was axed last week with his side floundering and Stevenage – who Pools have yet to beat in eight league and cup games – have academy chief Darren Sarll in charge.

Of the former England striker’s dismissal, Moore said: "I think it's very harsh.

"I don't think the young managers get the opportunity. How long has he been there? Seven months?

"I fear for the young mangers coming through now, everything is instant.

"Everyone can't win, it's impossible to win every week.

"Teddy's done a reasonable job. OK, he's not pulled up any trees but he's learning his trade and they have chopped his legs off really.

"Certainly a lot sooner than people thought."

Tickets and admission has been reduced to £12 and £5 concessions for both tonight and Saturday.

John MacPhail, a former manager and promotion winner at Pools in 1991, is the club's guest of honour this evening. He will be in the Centenary Lounge from around 6.15pm this evening for a talk-in with supporters. Admission is free.