THE takeover of Hartlepool United by Raj Singh and Jeff Stelling is likely to be confirmed today. Pools take on Bromley in the National League tonight and the new ownership should prove another boost for the club.

A point from two late goals at Fylde was followed by a welcome win at Barrow last Wednesday. Pools are two points above fourth-bottom Solihull, who they still have to play at Victoria Park.

The threat of a ten-point deduction brought on by administration has gone and all parties concerned in the deal are confident of a positive outcome ahead of tonight’s game. There are no sticking points to the deal taking place and the legal process is being completed.

Matthew Bates remains in caretaker charge having improved fortunes in recent weeks. He has no idea if he will be in charge for the Good Friday trip to Maidstone amid the takeover being completed.

“I am doing the job now, I started it when I was asked and will carry on until told otherwise,’’ he said. “I’m doing it day to day. It now looks like something will happen and I’m sure we will have a conversation as and when but until that happens it’s carry on as we are.

“There’s a change in outlook now, gradually over the last few weeks. Small steps and we keep on making them and won’t get carried away because the game kicks you in the backside.

“I’m doing the job for now, it’s given me a bit of positive belief. I always had belief in myself – as both a player and manager and you need that.

“I’ve been pleased in how the lads have reacted and it does give you the belief to kick on in your career. We work at it each day, day by day. I drew up the schedule for the last few weeks of the season and we know what we have to do and there’s not a long left to go this season.

“There has been an improvement in the team, but have I got the reaction out of them? I don’t know. Do they get that reaction themselves or is it down to me? All I can say is I can prepare them the best I can and then it’s up to the players.

“It’s not down to me, it’s down to everyone. They are showing fight and the never say die attitude – sub-consciously it may come from me and what I say, but I don’t know. That’s one for the players to answer.

“I try and be myself and we keep going, I’m doing all I can.’’

Bates has a small squad to work with tonight. Scott Harrison will be out for two weeks with a hamstring problem and Liam Donnelly played for Northern Ireland under-21s last night and doesn’t return to the North-East until 4.30pm from Belfast.

That means he only has Carl Magnay, Louis Laing and Blair Adams as recognised defenders available.

Pools have reduced admission prices tonight to £10 and £5 and Bates said: “Ticket prices are reduced and we all know here what the crowd are capable of. We need them behind us with five home games to come. They can be our 12th man – I’ve said to the lads that we need the fans with us and it’s up to the players to get them with us from the off.

“Start well and the fans will come with you. We all need to be in this together and it’s not easy with a small squad. We are working day to day and working hard to get it right and get an improvement. Stick with us for a big push and see what we can do.’’