HARTLEPOOL UNITED are now likely to have to wait until Tuesday for their takeover to be completed.

Raj Singh, the former Darlington chairman, has an agreement and understanding in place with John Blackledge and Sage Investments to take control.

But it is taking longer than Singh wanted or anticipated for the paperwork on the deal to be signed off by the various parties involved.

And now, with the long Bank Holiday starting, it will be next week before anything is finalised.

There’s no snags with the deal, which Singh had first hoped to be confirmed last Friday.

By the time it is announced, Pools will have played two more National League games, today at Maidstone and on Monday at home to Guiseley.

Eight points from a possible 12 has lifted Pools to five points ahead of the drop zone.

Caretaker boss Matthew Bates has lifted the squad of late, with performances and results much improved.

But the secret of his success? “I don’t know to be honest about how I got this reaction, I’ve just been myself. I’ve simplified it, at this level you have to be simple and go back to basics. It seems to work at the moment.

“It’s hard work and desire and it’s working and I’m pleased with it.’’

Pools beat Bromley 2-1 at Victoria Park in midweek and match-winner Michael Woods backed up Bates’ belief.

Woods said: “Batesy has not over complicated things and went back to basics. I think we are more organised and working much harder for each other and it has been a huge lift.

“I know it has only been three or four games but there is a belief that we can get something from every game we’ve played.

“There is such a fine line in the league and anything can happen. Hopefully we’ve got of bit of momentum which can be a sucker punch for those below us in the table.

“There is now a feel good factor around the place at the minute and it is such a better feeling.”

Pools travelled yesterday and trained en-route to Kent on a plastic 4G pitch, similar to what Maidstone play on.

Pools have a number of teams around them still to play, Maidstone today, Guiseley on Monday and then Soilhull, Torquay and Orient still to visit Victoria Park.

“The league table is still tight and the message from Bates is to have no complacency,’’ added the nine-goal midfielder. “We have two quick games on Friday and Monday and if we can keep performing at this level then we should be out of trouble.

“It is working for us and, no matter what anyone tells you, you can play as well as you like but if you aren’t getting results then confidence is rock bottom. Thankfully, we have had a turn around and a lift although the work is not done quite yet.”

“I thought we started the game really well. Bates’ message was to get at Bromley from the off and we started brightly.

“It was a real sucker punch the way they scored just before half-time as we the better team by miles and if we had went 2-0 or 3-0 up at the break it would have been a fair reflection.

“We went into the dressing room flat as we knew we had played quite well and knocked it around well at times. We felt during the game the only way Bromley could score was from a set-piece.

“Bates has come in and lifted us and said if we keep doing what we were doing and we could get the rewards.”

Woods admitted to be relieved the takeover is as good as done, and claimed there were no distractions: “Our job is to play football and concentrate on getting results. There was no talk about it between the lads all day and just wanted to go onto the pitch and put in a good performance. “It will be a burden lifted for everyone associated with the club.

“You get paid to do a job and no matter what is going on there is a pride at stake. “Whether you’re playing five-a-side with your mates or playing against Bromley you want to get the better of the opposition and win.”