Pools hold talks with Chelsea Champions League winner and ex-Sunderland coach

Hartlepool United caretaker boss Matthew Bates.

Bates has this week tried to convince former Middlesbrough keeper Ross Turnbull, who was on the bench as Chelsea won the Champions League in 2012, and ex-Black Cats academy manager Ged McNamee to join his coaching setup.

And it is understood both could even take training this week, with Bates eyeing up to THREE additions to his backroom team ahead of the National League visit to Aldershot this weekend.

Ross Turnbull was a Champions League winner with Chelsea in 2012, as understudy to Petr Cech.

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Bates was forced to go it alone at the weekend against Ebbsfleet United, a game in which Pools were beaten 1-0.

After the sacking of manager Craig Harrison, Bates also had to do without Paul Jenkins, who was absent due to a family issue, and German goalkeeping coach Bernie Hirmer, also absent due to an issue in his homeland.

And in his post-match press conference on Saturday Bates revealed he would hold talks with a number of people this week in order to fill the void left behind after recent goings on.

He also did not mince his words when claiming that an unnamed coach or coaches already at the club, refused to step in to help him in his and the club's hour of need.

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Bates said: "People at the club have been offered the opportunity to step up and haven't.

"They have their own reasons.

"When the club is in need you need to step up.

"There are people here who have been here a lot longer than me who need to step up. I am a bit angry about it but it is what it is.

"I am big and brave enough to take it, though."

He continued: "Going forward we need to sort something out.

"I have a lot of friends in football who will come in and do us a favour. That’s what it will have to be as we have no money.

"I have spoken to a few people. I’m meeting a few for a coffee [Monday]. Hopefully by Thursday it will be sorted."

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Should Pools add to their coaching staff it is unlikely they will be able to pay anyone coming in.

Instead, Bates and Pools will ask for favours in what is the club's darkest hour.

McNamee stepped down as academy manager at the Stadium of Light in 2016, having spent more than 20 years at the club.

Under his watch the likes of Jordan Pickford, Jordan Henderson and Grant Leadbitter came through the ranks.

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Turnbull has been out of work since being let go by Leeds United last season.

He played with Bates at Boro The 33-year-old former England youth international has also had spells at Bradford City, Barnsley, Doncaster Rovers, Cardiff City and Crewe Alexandra.