WHEN Matthew Bates was last in charge of Hartlepool United, he was surrounded by familiar faces. This time around and he is all alone.

Craig Harrison was sacked in midweek, and with assistant boss Paul Jenkins taking leave from the club, it’s a one-man band today when Pools take on Ebbsfleet at Victoria Park.

When Bates was asked to step up for the final two games of last season, he was helped by Ian Gallagher, Stuart Parnaby and Billy Paynter.

None of them have been around this season. Today’s plan is all devised by Bates. How many games he remains in charge for, no-one knows.

“I’ve not been told a lot, I spoke to Pam (Duxbury, chairwoman) on Wednesday and she said take over for Saturday, no timescale on it – a week, a month, who knows?’’ he said.

“If we win three out of three then I might still be here, if not….

“It’s difficult, a lot to do, a lot of holes to fill. We’ve gone from three members of staff to one.

“It’s a big learning curve for me and hopefully results will make it easier.’’

It is understood that the club’s Academy manager John Hewitson has also left the club of his own accord.

Bates added: “Paul has taken some personal leave, family issues. I spoke to him on Thursday and he’s right behind me and the club and hopefully back next week.

“I was in charge at the end of last season and I know I have to be myself. I’ve not long come out of playing so I understand how it works.

“It is fine for this weekend. I still have all of the backroom staff around me. Everything is in place and they are trying to be as supportive as they can be, taking things off my workload.

“For this weekend it is fine, I can crack on but I am going to need someone in place for next week.’’

With the uncertainty over the club’s future lingering, Pools are not in a firm position to make a permanent appointment yet.

Lee Clark and Ronnie Moore are keen on the job, while former Barrow boss Paul Cox, recently sacked by Guiseley is a contender.

Pools wanted to appoint Cox last summer, but baulked at Barrow’s compensation demands.

Players and staff were paid yesterday, as Bates confirmed: “We have all been paid, and been paid on time. We aren’t the only club up for sale – not even in the North-East. Players have been paid and there’s clubs in this league who haven’t paid players at all or on time.’’

And Bates, who will be forced to pick from the same squad of players as Harrison did in midweek for his final game at Halifax, admitted his former boss has offered him his best wishes since his exit.

“How does it feel to be in charge?,’’ mused Bates. “Strange again, it’s not a great situation to be in. The gaffer, as I still call him, Craig brought me in the summer.

“Things haven’t been great on the field and I had a coffee with him on Thursday and he understands how things work. We have to move on.

“It could have been awkward with certain managers, but not Craig – I got on well with him and I wish him all the best.

“A lot of these players are his and he wants the club to do well.’’

He added: “I had a chat with the players and I told them that I need everyone's backing.

“We have a small squad but I am prepared to put youth team players in if they want to play more than the first-team players. That is not a threat it is just the way it is, the way I do things.

“I have to accept what comes my way and I’m working to get three points – the players will know what is expected of them in and out of possession.

“Ebbsfleet have won three in a row, but I look at that as they are due a defeat. Every team in this league is much of a muchness – it’s about consistency and that’s what we need.

“There’s not many options available, so there won’t be much different and we only have a small squad so we look after the lads physically. Friday is the only day to work for Saturday’s game and it’s not ideal, but it’s all about us and what we do.’’