Latest Rafa quotes

He is right about the consistency. They have been a great run of results as far as league points are concerned and could not have come at a better time to put some confidence into the side. It is likely that the same type of games last year would have produced less rewards, so it's safe to feel some progress has been made.

The question is, how much? The run has been made mainly against teams who are playing poorly right now and, to be honest,, some of Pools performances were not so hot despite the results. The last game was one of the worst I have seen in the Prem this season, but, to be fair, it's not always easy to shine against poor opponents.

The next two games will give a better indication. Wigan are a good side who play as a team. They won't suffer through lack of confidence and they will give it everything for the full 90 because that is the way they play. The Chelsea game is not a Prem match, but will almost certainly be played like one now.

These two tests should give us a clue about whether the progress recent results suggest is accurate and if 4th spot is a realistic objective?

LC