MATTHEW BATES insists he is ready to get Hartlepool United back on an even keel and halt the decline.

After two seasons of carnage at Victoria Park, and a period of slow decline before that, Bates has been appointed the first manager of another new era.

Chairman Raj Singh and director of football Craig Hignett interviewed four candidates for the job.

Bates had 13 games in charge and last weekend’s 2-1 win at Tranmere, in which Pools gave an accomplished display, swayed the chairman to appoint Bates on a full-time basis.

He will be assisted by Ged McNamee and Ross Turnbull, who have both been working alongside the former centre-half for free in recent weeks.

Singh decided on Tuesday that Bates was his man, but the deal was not confirmed until last night.

The new manager has been in situ at Victoria Park all week while the finer points of his contract and terms for his assistants were agreed.

The club’s retained list should be announced next week, and Bates will then set about the task of trying to mould a winning team over the summer.

Bates, who stood down from playing at the end of last season and joined Craig Harrison’s backroom team, said: “It feels positive, with the new chairman and Craig coming in, new board members and everyone is pulling in the right direction. You cannot underestimate that and you can’t build a club with rifts behind the scenes.

“We want to be out of this division as soon as possible.

“The club has been in decline, and this season coming is about stabilising the club and getting a team the fans can be proud of. This is a year for building and getting a squad capable of promotion.

“It’s a process I want to enjoy, we are all on the same page. I want the best for this club, if it does well then I do well.’’

In an interview on the club website, Bates added: “It’s a proud moment and I’m thankful for the opportunities. The last 13 games have been a massive effort from everyone, without the staff and players efforts I wouldn’t be here now.

“There’s going to be ups and downs and I’m prepared for it, these 13 games have given me a taste of what’s to come. I’ve enjoyed it and feel I can take this club forward.

“What’s gone on the past is fish and chip paper now. We need to carry the end of season results into next season.’’

And Bates has called on supporters to show their backing into next season. Pools had one of the division’s highest home average attendances, but one of the worst home records.

“Let’s have a siege mentality around the place,’’ he added.

“The fans are crucial. There’s been rumblings in terms of performance and home form hasn’t been bad. I’m a football fan and I wouldn’t like to be a fan watching that at times. I want characters in, leaders who can enjoy the pressure of playing at home.

“We are doing all we can to make this place a stronghold for us. We need to win games at home.’’