MATTHEW BATES and Gareth Southgate. Middlesbrough centre-half partners of past. Now both managers and advocates of the same system.

While one led England to the last four of the World Cup this summer, the other is out to lead Hartlepool United into the upper echelons eight of the National League playing with three at the back.

Back in 1990 after Sir Bobby Robson installed it at Italia 90, Pools pondered using it under Cyril Knowles but soon reverted to tried and trusted 4-4-2, which got them promotion.

Looking at the make up of his squad, and it looks as if it’s here to stay.

It’s a big sea change for Pools after two seasons, under different permanent managers, of playing 4-3-3.

“We have been playing mainly with three at the back and with wing backs. I’ve liked the way it’s worked. There’s still work to do with it, but it’s a system we are comfortable with,’’ he mused.

Bates had his hands tied in his 14 games in charge last season. The club was in freefall and the caretaker manager stabilised the ship. He had players who were uncertain if their wages were coming, some who were not wanted, some who were eyeing moves away.

But he lifted them away from the bottom four which was key to stabilising the club.

Now it’s his team, not Craig Harrison’s. With his trusted lieutenants Ged McNamee and Ross Turnbull alongside him, Bates is happy to plot Pools’ future.

“Last season was a bit of a reality check for us in this division,’’ said the 31-year-old. “It probably shocked a few lads at the start of the season in terms of physicality, but we have signed lads who have played in this division.

“Last season, especially when I took over, we maybe concentrated on the opposition a lot as we didn’t have the squad we wanted in terms of numbers. It was about getting teams out there and trying to combat the opposition tactics – now it’s going to be all about us and how we play.

“I feel we have a good squad, and if we can get things right in the way we want to then we will be competitive.

“I’ve had two spells in charge before as caretaker. This has been different for me. I’m fairly laid back about most things and I take things as they come and deal with them.

“It’s gone better than expected in terms of recruitment and where we are now so I’ve no complaints about it all.’’

For a manager it’s all about recruitment. Signings are key. Bates has landed nine this summer.

There’s little doubt who is favourite one is: Andrew Davies.

A Pools fan as a kid, who watched Brian Honour and Co in the early 90s before he started playing for Boro, Davies is the leader Pools have long lacked.

On his signing, Bates referred to him as Pools’ Sergio Ramos. A proper, win-at-all-costs centre-half.

“Andrew is a leader on it and off it – I’ve never hidden from the fact that I am excited by his signing,’’ he said of his newly-appointed skipper.

“I’ve said before and don’t mind saying it again that I wouldn’t take another other centre half in this league over Andrew. He will be a massive player for us this season and in years to come.’’

Liam Noble is his other stellar signing, the all-action midfielder arriving from Notts County, two years after being the best player in the National League as Forest Green Rovers were promoted.

Bates added: “I’m happy where we are at, I cannot moan about our transfer business. There’s been no offers for players who are available.

“I’m fairly relaxed about it, doing all I can to make this club a success. I go home at night happy with my work, knowing I’ve done all I can. Maybe some managers have doubts about themselves, but I don’t.

“There’s a feel-good factor about the place this summer. The club feels like it’s in the right hands now. We have to manage expectations and there is an excitement.’’