Matthew Bates can be a top manager - Nicky Featherstone

In fact, the midfielder is hopeful his former teammate will be given the reins full-time by new owner Raj Singh and director of football Craig Hignett.

“He’s obviously had a very good career and but for injuries he’d have played at a higher level for longer. He knows the game very well,” said the 29-year-old in the aftermath of Pools’ Sutton United draw on Saturday.

“I think he’s come out and said that he wants the job, he knows the club.

“But it’s not my decision, it’s down to those who are running the club now.”

Many a player has spoken of the difference between Bates and former boss Craig Harrison as managers.

Featherstone says Bates has simply made things a lot simpler around the place.

“It’s a difficult one,” he said when asked to put his finger on what changes have been made under Bates.

“Craig was all right with me so I’ve not got a bad word to say about him.

“Batesy seems to have got the best out of a few lads who had maybe struggled a bit this season.

“No one can really say they’ve had a good season, maybe apart from Loachy.

“He’s really simplified things, kept things basic.

“I think at this level if you are organised and good without the ball we have enough quality to hurt teams when we have it.

“We’re very well organised, he sees things.

“He’s not long been out of the game so he understands what players want and need.”