MATTHEW Bates is certain that the arrival of Andrew Davies at Hartlepool United will have a huge impact both on and off the field.

The former Middlesbrough centre-half moved from Ross County this summer, and will face his former club at Victoria Park in Pools’ last friendly before the season starts next Saturday.

While Boro took on Sunderland at the Riverside last night, today’s opposition is likely to be a mix of first-teamers and Academy prospects.

Davies was named skipper earlier this week.

“Unbelievable quality is what he brings,’’ he said. “A leader on the park and off it. I have never hid the fact I have been excited about the signing.

“He will be a massive player for us this season and for years to come.

“He was the main man I wanted this summer. I tried to get him here at the start of last season but it never happened.

“As soon as I got the job he was the one I wanted to get. And when we found out about his contract situation we pursued it.

“He will give 100 per cent and I have no doubt he will be a fans favourite in his time here.

“We lacked leaders for three years. Andrew will drag the rest of the team along, he will manage the dressing room for me and add a bit of banter.

“I will be surprised if there has been a better signing over the last four or five years.

“He is fit but we will have to manage him. He has had injuries. I had to manage myself as a player and we will let him dictate that, too.’’

Pools have lacked leaders and players with authority in recent years, but the signing of Davies and Liam Noble appear to have corrected the issue.

Noble will get about the park in midfield, either deep or in a more advanced role.

The National League is of a physical nature and Davies wasn’t afraid to get stuck in during his time in Scotland.

"I think a lot of clubs miss it (the physical side). The new generation of players don't do it and I think it is going out of the game a little bit,’’ said Bates.

"You rarely see it from any young players coming through.

"I wouldn't say it's coached out of them, but it's certainly not coached into them. It's a dying breed really.

"I wouldn't say he's OTT, but he's an aggressive lad who'll put his foot in when need be.

"But there's a lot more to his game than that, he's a top defender and, in my opinion, there won't be a better centre-half at this level.

"His aggression I hope will breed aggression through the team.’’

Davies has been the middle man in a back three in pre-season, a system Bates is happy to go with into the National League season.

“We will use it in certain games,’’ he mused. “I like the way it has worked. Hopefully we continue with the plus points and see less of the negative ones.’’

Of today’s game – a 1pm kick-off – Bates added: “It's always been about fitness but as we have gone along we have focused more and more on the tactical side of things.

“I think they will bring a strong side. It will be a first-team squad and will be a test. A good one for the lads to be involved in.’’