MATTHEW Bates has signed a new deal to remain at Hartlepool United.

The former Middlesbrough skipper was due to stay at the club, after the one-year option on his contract was taken up, but instead he has been offered new terms.

Bates, 29, was signed in 2014 and has made 62 appearances for the club, becoming a mainstay at the heart of the back four this season.  

He was third in both the players' player of the year and player of the year voting at the club's end of season awards night.