MATTHEW BATES admits he hasn’t had a moment when the pressure of management has suddenly dawned on him. But seven games in as Hartlepool United boss, gathered 11 points from a possible 21 and he’s feeling like a boss.

He could even be in contention for the National League manager of the month award for March.

Pools take on bottom places Guiseley at Victoria Park today and Bates – assisted by Ged McNamee and Ross Turnbull in the continued absence of coaches Bernard Hirmer and Paul Jenkins – is settled in the home dug out.

He’s got Pools playing with freedom, looking relaxed and pressure-free. Back to basics is the phrase from temporary boss and players.

“Last time in charge I had two games,’’ he mused. “It was different to this, even though it’s still game by game for me. There’s not been a moment where I’ve suddenly sat there and thought “I’m the manager now”, but it’s something which has just felt like I am.

“I’m settled into it, but it’s tough. Where is the club at in terms of being sold, it meant I could only look at it one game at time. One defeat and I could have been out straight away.’’

Pools’ takeover by Raj Singh is set to be completed once the Easter holidays are over and solicitors get back to work.

Bates will stay in charge until the end of the season and then a decision on the future will come.

“I’ve been working hard, planning, doing what I can do and keeping it simple,’’ he added. “I’m sure when the new owners come in I will have that conversation.

“I think that from the age of 25/26 I always had my eye on coaching or management, but I was still a player. Maybe having injuries like I did meant I was thinking more about it.

“I did enjoy last year and the two games, even if it didn’t end up how we wanted it to.

“I do enjoy it, as for the future? Who knows?

“We have had some good results which makes it more enjoyable and worthwhile. I try and be level headed and not get too high or too low with results. It’s how it is.

“Win and we could be on cloud nine – lose and it’s different. But it’s always nicer when results go for is and we can start looking up, without getting complacent.’’

He added, with a seven-point gap to safety: “We always worried about administration and the ten-point deduction and we have spoke about the takeover in the dressing room before we won at Barrow so we knew things were looking more positive in terms of being taken over.

“We have games against teams in and around us, teams in and around the bottom four so they are target games. But they are fighting for their lives and futures like we are.

“You look at teams who might make the play-offs, might not, are they thinking about the beach already?

“But whoever we come up against I can’t over emphasise the size of the squad here and the players we have who are working so hard. Results have been good with a small squad and I worry about more injuries.’’

Pools have a doubt today over Liam Donnelly, who missed Friday’s win at Maidstone after a knock suffered playing for Northern Ireland U21s last week.

Bates said of the Irish skipper: “Liam has done well, he’s done well for his country too. He’s a great player and could play a lot higher.

“Thankfully while he’s been out we haven’t really missed him and we have defended well.

“I think he sees himself as a centre-half and that’s half the battle with a player, being comfortable where they play, but I think he could play in any position.

“Right midfield, left midfield, he could still do a job and he’s a great lad to be about the place. He was texting me straight after the win at Barrow – he had the Northern Ireland squad all watching it over there too.

“He’s been a big miss for us.’’

Ryan Donaldson is set to be on the bench today after a lengthy absence with an ankle injury.