MATTHEW BATES admits landing Andrew Davies was one of his main ambitions.

The Hartlepool United boss this week completed a move for his former Middlesbrough team-mate, as he moved to Ross County to be back in the North-East.

Bates, open to playing with three at the back next season, is convinced Davies will become a favourite at Victoria Park, and backed his new recruit to make his mark on and off the pitch.

“He was the main man I wanted this summer,’’ reflected Bates. “I tried to get him here at the start of last season but it never happened.

“As soon as I got the job he was the one I wanted to get. And when we found out about his contract situation we pursued it.

“After lots of conversations we have finally managed to get the deal over the line.

“He will give 100 per cent and I have no doubt he will be a fans favourite in his time here.’’

Pools start their pre-season friendlies at Billingham Town next Saturday, with the game now kicking off at noon.

Davies should join new signings Myles Anderson, Niko Muir and Paddy McLaughlin in the side and Bates added: “We lacked leaders for three years. Andrew will drag the rest of the team along, he will manage the dressing room for me and add a bit of banter.

“I will be surprised if there has been a better signing over the last four or five years.

“He is fit but we will have to manage him.

“He has had injuries. I had to manage myself as a player and we will let him dictate that, too.’’

Pools have lost defender Liam Donnelly to Motherwell and Bates admitted: “We really liked Liam.

“We know he is better than this level and we wanted him to stay. There was interest in him last January and I think deep down we knew he wanted to leave.

“We have no problems with that, he gave his all for this football club and we can only wish him well.

“I think he will even move higher than Motherwell, he is that good a player.’’

But Bates wasn’t too fussed after Devante Rodney departed for Salford City.

“He was another good lad,’’ he said. “But he lacked a bit of consistency really. We offered him a deal and that put us in a position for compensation.

“He is not one that I am sad to see leave. In terms of his ability he has a lot, but I need players who are ready for me now.

“I have no doubt Devante will kick on and become a top player but he was a little bit behind where I wanted him to be.’’

Pools yesterday passed the 2,000 season ticket milestone for the new season.

Chief executive Mark Maguire was in the ticket office to complete the sale and thank Barry Brown for his continued support as he bought the 2,000th ticket.

Brown, a regular at Victoria Park since the 1970s, took advantage of the club’s offer on free under 12s tickets to bag a seat for his grandson Caleb who will be joining him in the Neale Cooper Stand next term.

He said: “It’s great we’ve hit 2,000 now – I think at this level that is fantastic support so I can’t wait. “I think we have to just start building again from the bottom and get the foundations right at the club after recent times.

“Obviously we want to try and make some progress after last season and aim towards the top but those solid foundations are the most important thing for me.

“Hopefully can have some entertainment along the way too; I’ve seen some cracking games and goals over the years here at The Vic so it would be nice to get some of that back in the new season.”