MATTHEW BATES will today be confirmed as the permanent Hartlepool United manager.

After leading Pools for the last 13 games in the National League season and keeping them away from the relegation zone, Bates will be rewarded with a contract to lead Pools into next season.

Bates won five of his 13 games in charge, finishing with Saturday’s 2-1 victory at play-off contenders Tranmere Rovers.

Pools’ new owner and chairman Raj Singh, along with director of football Craig Hignett, have interviewed four candidates for the job. Alun Armstrong, the current Blyth Spartans boss, and Gateshead chief Steve Watson were among the contenders. Former Pools midfielder Tommy Miller, now assistant at Spennymoor, was also keen on the post.

Bates was twice interviewed by the pair and they have been impressed with the job he’s been doing in trying circumstances.

After ending the season at Prenton Park, Bates said: “I’ve been here a few years now and I know what needs to be done, but it’s not about that – it’s what I think as a manager.

“If I was at another club I would still be doing the same things as a manager, have the same philosophies and belief in what I want to do.

“One thing I will do and have done it make hard decisions, it’s my way or no way. You have seen that with the performances of the players and making substitutions at half-time.

“You only get one chance in management so you have to make the most of it.’’

The players have been full of praise for Bates during his tenure. Both Scott Loach and Liam Donnelly have spoken of their respect for both Bates and his temporary assistants.

Ged McNamee and Ross Turnbull have been working for free alongside Bates. The performances and assurance of goalkeeper Loach have improved under Turnbull.

Loach recently admitted: “We want to get the job cemented for Batesy if we can.

“We want to go away for the summer and know what’s going on, there are a lot of lads who want to be here and build and learn from this season and go again next season.

“This is a good club and if it’s run correctly there is no reason why we can’t go and get it right and learn from the lessons of this season.”

A young Pools reserve side yesterday lost 4-0 at Morecambe. Pools included winger Jack Blackford on trial, a former trainee at Victoria Park who was introduced to the first team under Hignett two years ago before being released in January.