Matthew Bates pushes for sit down talks to decide his Hartlepool United future

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 from the division 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.

He said: “I would like to have a conversation this week.

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

Bates admitted he 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.

That is a situation he says he is keen to rectify, especially with so much to plan ahead of mounting a challenge at this level next campaign.

“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.”

One thing Bates has never been short of since stepping into the hotseat has been confidence.

He has had quite a clear idea on what he wants from his players and those around him.

A lot of his confidence, he says, comes from the coaching staff - Ged McNamee and Ross Turnbull - who he has installed to support and assist in the club’s time of need.

“Any new job, any walk of life, you never know how you will do,” he said, evaluating his own performance.

“A lot of credit has to go to the coaches around me. They have been brilliant. They have become Pools fans overnight.

“I want to do this full-time with Hartlepool.”