MATTHEW BATES has been confirmed as the new manager of Hartlepool United.

As The Northern Echo revealed on Tuesday, Bates was the choice of new chairman and owner Raj Singh and the club’s director of football to lead the team into next season.

Bates has been in caretaker command for the final 13 games of the season, and led the side to National League safety with five wins.

They ended the campaign with a 2-1 win at Tranmere last weekend.

Bates will be assisted by Ged McNamee and Ross Turnbull, who have both been working alongside the former centre-half for free in recent weeks.

Bates said in an interview on the club website: “I feel privileged to be named as Manager, this is a great opportunity.

“As a young manager wanting to get on that ladder I don’t think there is a better environment than there is here at The Vic right now.

“The new owners have come in and it’s a fresh start for everyone; it’s a big club so I am over the moon really and I can’t wait to get the hard work started.”