MATTHEW Bates has signed a new deal to stay at Hartlepool United.
The centre-half joined Pools last summer on a one-year deal under then boss Colin Cooper and was offered a new deal - albiet on reduced terms - by Ronnie Moore.
Bates played 27 times last season for Pools, but missed a large chunk after suffering a serious dead leg at Portsmouth in January.
He started the season as skipper at centre-half, but played and impressed in a deep-lying central midfield role. Bates returned to the starting XI for the penultimate game, playing at centre-half alongside Scott Harrison as Pools secured their Football League status with a win over Exeter.
Bates' signing comes after defender Harry Worley yesterday joined Pools on a free transfer.
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