MATTHEW BATES has secured some much-needed help on the Hartlepool United training ground.
The Pools caretaker boss was left alone in the dug out at the weekend, with assistant manager Paul Jenkins absent on personal leave and goalkeeping coach Bernard Hirmer not in attendance.
The German was at the club’s training ground on Friday, but Jenkins stayed away following the sacking of Craig Harrison.
And, after Bates lamented a lack of help, he now has Ged McNamee, the former Sunderland academy manager, and former Middlesbrough goalkeeper Ross Turnbull at his side.
Bates was critical of staff after Saturday’s defeat, admitting: “People at the club have been offered the opportunity to step up and haven’t, I have to say that. They have their own reasons. I don’t know the reasons.
“When the club is in need you need to step up. There are people here who have been here a lot longer than me who need to step up and haven’t which is disappointing.
“I am a bit angry about it and frustrated, but it is what it is.’’
McNamee played four times for Pools in the early 80s before becoming a successful coach at Sunderland. After over 20 years service he left in November 2016 following a review into the club’s operations by chief executive Martin Bain.
Turnbull played with Bates for Boro. His last club was Leeds United, and he left there at the end of last season. Since then he has been involved in the game as a scout and talent spotter. 
The whole uncertainty surrounding Pools means they are in a difficult position to appoint a new boss. 
Lee Clark was at Saturday’s game, and is keen on the job, but is understood to be frustrated at a lack of direction at the club. 
Ronnie Moore has offered his services, but his approaches have gone unanswered. 
It is understood that there are two possibles options to take over the club. 
One of them is a Swedish consortium, and they yesterday spoke directly to John Blackledge, the club’s former benefactor who is owed around £1.2m from the club.
The Swedes have long been interested in the club, but progress has been slow. A meeting was held in central London last week before Ostersunds played Arsenal. Ostersunds chairman Daniel Kindberg has been approached to be involved.
The agent behind the consortium is understood to want Moore and Pools’ former boss Chris Turner involved as part of their set-up, but any move or deal is some way off.