ANDREW Davies will captain Hartlepool United into the new season.

The experienced centre-half, signed on a free transfer from Ross County this summer, replaces Carl Magnay.

A former Middlesbrough team-mate of Pools’ boss Matthew Bates, Davies was skipper in the SPL for his former club last season.

On signing the 33-year-old, Bates spoke warmly of his leadership qualities, admitting he was the sort of character to take a firm hold in the dressing room.

Speaking to the club website, Bates said: “I think giving Andrew the captaincy just freshens things up.

“Carl hasn’t done anything wrong but I spoke to him during the summer and made it clear it was nothing against him but told him I was looking to bring in someone with more experience.

“Obviously the lads have that respect for Andrew as soon as he walks in to the Club because of the career he’s had but he’s a great lad off the pitch too and will run the dressing room.’’

He added: “A lot can be made of being the captain but we will need more than just Andrew being a leader on the field and it won’t mean that any of the other lads go back in to their shells.

“If you look at this squad you can probably name quite a few contenders for the skipper’s job off the top of your head with Andrew, Carl, Scott Loach, Nicky Featherstone and Liam Noble.

“That’s good and it’s what we want because it’s about everyone stepping up to the plate and pushing the lads along as a group.”

Bates made signing strong characters a priority this summer, and Liam Noble is another new arrival who will lead by example on the pitch.

One player on his way out is Jack Munns,  with Pools ready to release him after a hugely disappointing time at Victoria Park. He missed a chunk of last season after suffering from a mouth tumour. 

Dagenham are understood to be keen on signing the attacker. 

Pools will launch their new kit on Thursday when they hold an open day at Victoria Park from 3pm.

Fans can meet the management and players, buy the new home kit which will be launched on the day, and join the squad in The Prestige Group Cyril Knowles Stand for the annual team photo. Admission is free.

On the evening, Pools are holding a fans’ forum in the Corporation Club. Hosted by Northern Echo Sports Editor Nick Loughlin, supporters can fire questions at chairman Raj Singh, manager Bates, chief executive Mark Maguire and director Ian Scobbie. Admission is free, doors open at 7pm for a 7.30pm start, but supporters are asked to register their interest with the club.

Maguire said: “It’s really important that we bring the club together; players, staff, the board and of course the fans. We hope this open day will provide an opportunity for everyone to get together before the serious business starts. It’s only right that fans get the chance to be part of the team photo – without them there simply wouldn’t be a club and the open day is hopefully a chance for us to show our gratitude.

“As for the Fans Forum we’ve promised openness and honesty and it’s important we give fans the chance to ask any questions they have face to face. We are committed to regular events like this but hope as many fans as possible can join us as we build up for the season.”