IF, as Matthew Bates put it, the last nine weeks have been an audition, then he’s passed the test.

Appointed caretaker boss of a Hartlepool United squad devoid of confidence, low on belief and sinking fast, Bates had a big task on his hands.

As he signed off at Tranmere with the fifth victory of his 13 game temporary reign, he did so with pride.

He hopes that he’s done enough to be appointed manager permanently, he wants a chance to reshape this flailing team.

On the evidence of Saturday’s performance, he deserves the position. Statistics can be turned any way around to suit, but there’s no denying his record. A win ratio of 38.4 per cent is a record not seen by any of the 15 managers to have taken charge at Pools since Danny Wilson ten years ago.

“I’ve done all I can, I think I’ve got to be in for the leading role – I don’t think I can do any more,’’ he reflected at Prenton Park.

“If it was a play or a show then I’m sure I’ve got the leading role. But this is football and it’s a bit different. Let’s see what the next couple of days brings.

“I would take this record when I took over, a lot of stats get thrown around but they back up what I’ve done. I can’t have done any more and whatever happens I can walk away with my head held high.

“Am I confident of getting the job? You can never be confident in football, I’ve done all I can. I want to take this club forward and I don’t see myself as a National League manager for the next ten years.

“I want the club to have a successful team.’’

If Pools had – as the clamour was at the time – brought in an outsider to salvage the season would they have done any better than Bates?

Pools were in freefall on and off the pitch when Craig Harrison was sacked in mid-February.

Against a backdrop of financial carnage, and a squad thinned by injury and departures, Bates brought some confidence back to the players.

Along with his sidekicks Ged McNamee and Ross Turnbull – both working for free – things have improved.

There’s no doubt the performances of goalkeeper Scott Loach have become steadier under Turnbull.

But there’s a few factors which go against Bates – none more so than the three home failures of late against Guiseley, Solihull and Torquay.

Winning at home has long been a problem for Pools, and it needs resolving for next season, whoever is in charge.

Four have been interviewed with a decision expected within 48 hours.

“I think that was the most accomplished display over 90 minutes I have seen in recent weeks,’’ he reflected. “We had a good 45 minutes against Bromley, but coming here against a good team like Tranmere and winning and outplaying them, and against a possession based team we forced them to go long all the time.

“Anyone can beat anyone in this league, it’s all about being consistent and being hard to beat. That’s what we want to be.’’

Pools have not been hard to beat over the last year.

But on Saturday, with Liam Donnelly returning to the back four, they were obdurate. In manager-speak, Bates talked of being good both in and out of possession.

Their shape – a 4-3-3 – was compact and organised. Too often the 4-3-3 used in the first half of the season wasn’t that convincing, but it was this time.

Donnelly put Pools ahead from the penalty spot on half-time. Rhys Oates, on for Devante Rodney, brought some drive and power to the side as he got at the big unit of Steve McNulty at the back.

Louis Laing kept a corner alive, Donnelly knocked the ball towards goal and Oates backheeled Pools two goals up, much to the delight of the 738 travelling clowns.

The fancy dress may well have been a nod in the direction of those who have been in charge of the club in recent times.

Under Raj Singh, with Craig Hignett as director of football, the new boss will be appointed shortly.

With contracts to be decided and player futures to be laid out, Bates said: “The players now go away for a break, whoever the manager will be will have to start to plan for next season.

“I will relax the next few days, I’m very proud and pleased of what I’ve done. I’m not a stats man, but my win ratio is as good as any manager here in the last 15-20 years.

“It’s been working with a very small group of players and I don’t think I could do any more. I thanked them in the dressing room for their efforts.

“They have been great for me and I’m sure whatever happens to me in the next few days I am proud of what we have achieved.’’