Bates – I am proud of my players

Hartlepool caretaker manager Matthew Bates expressed his delight after his side confirmed their National League status for next season with a 1-0 win against Leyton Orient last night.
Louis Laing's first half strike gave the Pools a crucial victory which moved them up to 17th position in the table, seven points above the drop zone.
Speaking to the Hartlepool Mail after the final whistle, the Hartlepool manager said, “It is a big relief. A big weight off the shoulders. “I am proud of the club and the players.
“I don't want to go over the top about it but it is a good achievement. Since I have taken charge I am proud of the reaction of the players. We were even money to go down when I took over, we were fourth favourite.”
“I think people underestimate what the lads have had to put up with in that dressing room.
“This is a massive pat on the back for them. “We were worried we would struggle with the size of the squad but the lads have just got on with it, played through injuries and other things.
Hopes are high at Victoria Park ahead of next season after a recent takeover led by local businessman Raj Singh was completed last month and Pools will be hoping to build on the achievement of beating the drop this campaign as they begin to look ahead to next year.