Is Matthew Bates the right man to take Hartlepool United forward?

New Hartlepool United owner Raj Singh finds himself faced with a difficult decision regarding the future of caretaker manager Matthew Bates.
Matthew Bates.Matthew Bates.
Matthew Bates.

The former Middlesbrough defender took charge in February with Pools' four points above the dropzone and has since picked up 12 points in 11 games - steering the club away from relegation.

A win at home tonight against Leyton Orient would guarantee Pools' safety and leave them thinking about next season and who takes the reigns.

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Praise from midfielder Nicky Featherstone demonstrates Bates' has the backing of the players but his lack of managerial experience could prove a factor deciding who leads from the dugout next season.

Stockton-born Bates can boast an impressive win percentage of 40 per cent during his 10 games as caretaker this campaign.

Recent 0-1 defeats to relegation rivals Guiseley and Solihull Moors following an impressive five game unbeaten streak will have left Singh and Director of Football Craig Hignett with conflicting thoughts on the caretakers' future.

But statistically, how does Bates' start compare with those of Pools' past?

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Gateshead-born Craig Harrison had a poor start to the 2017-18 campaign picking up just two points in his first six games before picking up 29 points from their next 15.

A dreadful winter run saw Pools drop down the table and ultimately saw Harrison sacked with a 27.78 per cent win rate.

Last seasons relegation campaign saw current DoF Hignett take the reigns after leading the club away from relegation in 16-17. However, he was sacked with the club in 19th after 25 games and a win rate percentage of 28 per cent.

Hignett's replacement Dave Jones was ultimately unable to prevent the clubs poor run of form and left before the club on April 24th, picking up just four wins in 18 games. (22.22 per cent)

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With as many as 16 names taking the dugout in the last ten years, history suggests Bates won't be given the job permanently but with the backing of his players and a decent win percentage, Bates certainly has a chance.