Hartlepool United Matthew Bates boss started work before he even knew he had the job!

The 31-year-old, currently away on a pre-planned break, was only appointed to the post on Friday last week.

But he says work to get the lads ready for next season - whether he was in the job or not - started even before the final game of Hartlepool United’s National League season.

Mentally, that was not easy for the then caretaker, but at least he now has a head start in what is set to be one of the busiest summers in the club’s history.

“It was hard,” Bates said of potentially doing the groundwork for another candidate for the job.

“I had to try and make sure that I was leaving the club in the best place I could, whether that was me getting the job or someone else.

“We made sure there was all the relevant testing going on with the lads - body fats, fitness - that’s all for pre-season.

“The way I looked at it was if it is me then good, if not I can walk away with my head held high.

“It was not a great situation to be in but it’s fine now, of course.”

Meanwhile, defender Liam Donnelly has reflected back on the season that was with Pools.

The Northern Irishman admits the club deserved to stay in the division, even though it was a bit close for comfort at times.

“We got the results so we’ve deserved to stay up,” he said when looking back over a campaign which ended with Pools in 15th position, seven points above the bottom four and 17 off the play-offs.

“Obviously it was tight a couple of months ago but, to be fair to Batesy and his staff, they managed to change things around.

“I think he got us the results we needed. The players will now have a couple of weeks break.

“The backroom staff and owners will assess the season and make sure things improve into next season.”

Donnelly’s Victoria Park future remains up in the air, with the defender out of contract.