SAM Collins has signed a new contact to remain at Hartlepool United - and will also now have additional coaching responsibility.

The centre-half, soon to turn 37, is taking up the role of of assistant first / reserve team coach for the 2014/15 campaign.

Last season he took charge of a number of reserve team games and gained coaching experience at the club while taking his coaching badges. 

Collins started this season as back up to Christian Burgess and Jack Baldwin, but was a regular in the side for the second half of the campaign after Baldwin signed for Peterborough.

Boss Colin Cooper is still to appoint at assistant manager and is hopeful of concluding a deal for his right hand man shortly.