MATTHEW BATES will remain at Hartlepool United as part of new manager Craig Harrison's backroom staff.
The 30-year-old has been keen to move into coaching and was put in caretaker charge of Pools for the final two games of last season.
Hartlepool were relegated into the National League on the final day and former The New Saints boss Harrison was appointed as manager last month.
Former Middlesbrough and Bradford City man Bates joined Pools in the summer of 2014 and has gone on to make 86 appearances.
He will remain registered as a player but will focus on coaching and also take charge of the club's reserve team.
Speaking to Pools' website, Bates said: “This is something I have wanted to do for a number of years, even more so after getting that taste of it last season.
“Part of what is happening is that I will be first team coach but I will also be taking reserve team games so that gives me a broad role and it's great for my learning.
“The club are looking to get me on the A Licence course, which is brilliant – the football will come first obviously but the qualification is a work in progress in the background to further educate me.
“I will still say registered as a player, keep myself right and be available if needed but I really want to give my all to the coaching now and learn as much as I can.
“Everything seems to be moving in the right direction – the lads are back in for pre-season, there's a good feeling about so we have to build on that and take things to the next level.”
Meanwhile, Harrison has also appointed a new goalkeeping coach in the shape of former Bayern Munich keeper Bernhard Hirmer.
The 49-year-old, known as Bernie, was previously assistant manager at Stockport County and has worked alongside Harrison at TNS.
The boss said: “I'm really pleased that Bernie has agreed to join us at The Vic. He's got great experience from his playing career and is a top class coach as well as someone I have a great working relationship with.”
