Bates seeks decision on his future

Hartlepool United caretaker boss Matthew Bates is keen to for his future to be decided, having secured National League football for Pools next season.

A 1-0 win over Leyton Orient at Victoria Park last night ensured the club would remain in the fifth tier, having flirted with relegation since the turn of the year.

And with that now set in stone, Bates is keen to sit down with new owner Raj Singh and director of football Craig Hignett to clarify what his position, if any, will be at Pools next season.

After ex-Sunderland defender Louis Laing’s 38th-minute header from a floated free-kick sank Orient, Bates said: “I would like to have a conversation this week.

“Whether it is me or not, I would like to know.”

Bates has had just one conversation with Singh, whose deal to take over at Pools is set to be ratified by the National League board within the next seven days.

“We have not spoken yet - not for some time,” he said when asked about conversations with Singh & Co.

“There is a lot of planning to go into pre-season, friendlies, player recruitment, etc. That work needs to start soon.

“If it is me they want for the job then great, if it is not then I would like to know. Hopefully we can meet in the next week.”

Bates hailed the impact of coaches Ged McNamee and Ross Turnbull. “A lot of credit has to go to the coaches around me. They have been brilliant. They’ve become Pools fans overnight,” said the ex-Boro defender. “I want to do this full-time with Hartlepool.”