'˜You are always trying to prove people wrong' - Matthew Bates' out to silence his Hartlepool United doubters

Hartlepool United boss Matthew Bates is keen to silence those who think he is not right for the Victoria Park hotseat.
Matthew Bates.Matthew Bates.
Matthew Bates.

Earlier this month the former caretaker was handed the job on a permanent basis having helped guide relegation-threatened Pools away from the National League bottom four.

Despite managing to equal Pools’ win tally from the five months before his spell in just 13 games, Bates knows he still has doubters in the club’s fan base.

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But with preparations for his first full season in charge of the club well underway, 31-year-old Bates is determined to change perceptions.

“Every manager has to convince people they are right for the job,” said Bates.

“You are always trying to prove people wrong.

“You can’t please everyone - all I can do is what I have to do, day to day.

“And my job is not to worry about all that, it is to put a good team out on the pitch.”

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Having played at the very highest level and been involved in relegation and promotion pushes, Bates knows the value of momentum in football.

After an end of season that far outstripped the start of the campaign in terms of performance, the new manager is keen to carry that on into his first full season.

“Let’s start the season how we ended it,” said Bates.

“The players have been onto me and wished me all the best since I got the job – I had a lot of texts and calls.

“They saw what we did and I am honest with the players, good or bad and I think they enjoyed the last few months.

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“They players believed in myself and the coaches Ged (McNamee) and Ross (Turnbull). It was pleasing to see those two rewarded with contracts because they played a huge role in what we achieved.

“We played well at Tranmere and that’s how I want to be next season, show those basics – being fluid to express themselves and being good in and out of possession.”

“The hard work starts now. What happened last season is chip shop paper and I will be judged on what happens going forward.”