MATTHEW BATES is still looking for the right players to improve Hartlepool United this summer, even if he has accepted departures could be key to more new arrivals.

Pools’ new owner Raj Singh is trying to change how the club has operated in recent years and wants them to be largely self-sufficient.

There is still some room for manoeuvre in terms of bringing more fresh faces in and there have been a couple of players on trial recently which Bates has opted against.

He is still likely to have a look at more in the coming weeks but he knows that players leaving will be the biggest help to him being able to bring in those he wants.

Bates, whose side face Sunderland at Victoria Park on Saturday afternoon, said: “We have known since day one that we would have to try to move some players out to get players in.

“It is not a case that we 100 per cent have to sell to buy. But if we do manage to maybe move a body or two out of the club, we know it makes our lives much easier in terms of bringing new players in.

“We are still looking to add to the squad, if we can get the right type of players through the door.”

Bates has turned down the opportunity to keep ex-Port Vale man Harry Middleton and former Patrick forward Connor Higgins after they were given the chance to impress against Billingham Town.

There will be no trialists involved against Sunderland. The Pools manager explained: “We have not got any trialists in this week. The two lads we had in were good players but did not think they could offer us anything we didn’t already have in the squad.

“It can be good getting players in to have a look at them outside of games – you get to see what they are like with the others lads at training.

“But they have to be the right type. It is no good getting recommended players who are not good enough and then bring down the level of training. Luckily we have good contacts and haven’t experienced that.”

Jack Munns has returned to training this week and will play some part against Sunderland. Jake Cassidy is being monitored having picked up a knock.

* Pools will wear a kit created especially to honour former manager Neale Cooper against Sunderland following his recent death.

Inspired by the shirt worn by Neale during his hugely successful spell with Aberdeen, the design has a dedication to him and an embedded image of the man himself.

Donated by BLK, the royal blue shirt will be worn by the players for the meeting with the Black Cats and also subsequent pre-season friendlies before the new home kit is revealed at the club's open day on July 26.

The special kit will form part of a momentous day at the Vic during which Pools will officially open The Neale Cooper Stand sponsored by East Durham College.