Hughes, who took charge of Pools earlier this month, is happy to rely on them for stability and nous.
"I've got Big Sam (Collins), Ritchie (Humphreys), Muzza (Paul Murray), Big Stevie (Howard) all fighting their corners in there and that experience in the team is vital," he told the Northern Echo.
"But I keep saying the supporters should realise that we have to take some things from the team, use the experience in this situation and we need to roll our sleeves up.
"I'm delighted with the effort and commitment the older players have shown. Sometimes your experienced boys take the hits and they have been there in the game for a long time and are wise to it all.
"They don't want a relegation on their CVs, where sometimes younger boys come in with a worry and a fear about the situation."
