JOHN Hughes accepts that Hartlepool United are living on the edge - and he has to find a way around it.

The recently-appointed manager might have engineered some improvement in performances since his arrival last month, but results have remained negative.

One point from a possible 15 is his return, but he is turning his attention to January and the chance to sign a player or two to boost his ranks.

Pools already operate one of the division's smaller squads and are being hampered by the implementation of the Football League salary capping rules.

That supposedly means no club's wage bill can exceed 65 per cent of its turnover.

The club is already on the brink of the level and tight finances will dictate what Hughes can - or can't - do in the transfer window.

"I definitely think we need one or two in to give the boys a hand,'' he admitted.

"My first signing has to be one where the fans go 'oh right, is that what we're bringing to the club? That takes us in the right direction'.

"The problem I have is that with the position we're in with the 65 per cent (salary capping) it will have to be ducking and diving.

"The one or two that come will probably just be here to give the boys a hand.

"I'd like to think that all of my major work will be done at the end of the season where I can shuffle the pack a wee bit.''

Hughes is learning about his players each day and is working out who could be still part of his plans when he starts to really plot for next season.

He said: "To everyone in that dressing room who might be out of contract I say 'prove to me that you can be here and part of it next year'.

"But I have to say that I've seen improvement since I came to the club.

"I would certainly like to think that if possible we could get one or two in.''

Hughes added: "I'm in here working with a right good bunch of boys - my focus has never been derailed from getting a spirit and confidence among them.

"I want to set a standard on the training pitch and then play the way we train.

"That's my immediate focus and everything else will be when it is.

"But I'll be honest with the fans - if we were paying real top dollar then I'd be going to sign players from the Premier League!

"We have to be realistic with where we are with the 65 per cent.

"It might be a case of moving one or two about for it to happen.''

Pools were comprehensively outplayed in Saturday's 1-0 defeat at MK Dons and the home side's performance gave Hughes an indicator of what he wants to see from his own charges.

"You don't have to be a rocket scientist to know that if I'm going to turn Hartlepool into a type of MK Dons then I have to bring the right type of player here,'' he admitted.

"They have to be available within our budget.

"But that intrigues me getting one or two, although we have to be cautious with what we're doing.

"There has to be an understanding from the supporters of how it works.

"I'm a supporter as well and I want to be shouting from the rooftops saying 'can we not go and sign him and him'.''