Chief executive Russ Green said Hughes, whose first game in charge ended in a 5-0 home defeat to Coventry at the weekend, was aware the budget at Victoria Park was even tighter this season as Pools adhered to the Football League's salary cost management plan, which has lowered the limit on spending on transfers and players' wages to 65% of a club's turnover.
"I think John knows the situation," said Green. "Salary Cap Management has come in now, every squad in the Football League now is tight. You'll not see as many transfers or manoeuvring in the market now in leagues one and two because the SCM has kicked in and John knows the situation is tight.
"We're working on our limit, but still within our means. He knows he's got the tools out there, he's just got to motivate and get the best out of them.
"He might have to move some on to bring some others in. That's football and it's business to be fair. That's why the SCM is a good thing. Everybody will be on a level playing field. It's good for the game."
Green added: "Everything about John, he just epitomises our club. The backs-to-the-wall approach and we have a siege mentality here now until the end of the season. Everything he said, he just ticked the right boxes."
