They might not be kissing and making up just yet, but this result and performance will go a long way towards building bridges between the boss and the paying customers.
He certainly appears to have signed a winner in Sam Collins, who was voted man of the match by the sponsors on his debut after signing from Hull for £75,000 during the week.
He had a blinder, good in the air and on the deck, and giving confidence to Michael Nelson (right, paint your own hair on him) alongside him -- they played together for a spell at Bury earlier in their careers.
Richie Humphreys had a great game, while Antony Sweeney looked solid at right-back and his attacking instinct gave Pools an extra option.
Willie Boland and on-loan Alan Thompson were in command in midfield, where Gary Liddle had more room to go forward rather than go round in circles as he has been lately.
James Brown was his old self until he went off injured early in the second half, while up front Joel Porter never stopped running and Richard Barker's two goals will persuade some of his critics to give him a chance.
Jan Budtz had nothing to do, but still managed to marr his return to the team by making a right dog's breakfast of a corner, coming out and mkissing it altogether and forcing Barker to clear.
The goals were good as well - the first a stonewall penalty when Porter was tripped, Barker scoring, the second a brill 30-yard free-kick from Thompson, the third a Porter finish after great work by Diddy David Foley and the fourth a class finish from Barker after Sweeney's cross.
As we've already said, that's a lot better. Now keep it up Pools.

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