IT was clear last season that on the occasions Matthew Bates was missing from Hartlepool United’s defence, the back line struggled. He was absent at Bristol Rovers (shipped four) and Plymouth (conceded five).

He helped both Scott Harrison and Adam Jackson through games, using his experience and nous to keep the younger centre-halves in check.

Rewarded with a new two-year deal this summer, Bates will be expected to do the same alongside Toto Nsiala next season.

An indifferent first campaign at Victoria Park was followed by a consistent second year.

Ahead of the new season starting in seven days’ time and today’s final friendly at home to Scunthorpe United, Bates is confident of a positive nine months ahead.

He said: "Excitement is the word.

"It looks like the players we have brought in are very good on paper. Time will tell and we will get to know them as individuals and players and how they will fit into the squad.

"Every pre-season you come back excited and hopefully that will convert into success this season."

"I started my career very early and have a lot of experience under my belt and try and use that. I am always there for the younger lads.

"There are plenty of players in the same boat; Nicky Featherstone, Billy Paynter, Trevor Carson etc.

"I think we have a good mix, of senior and younger players. That is what you need."

Boss Craig Hignett wants his side to express themselves on the front foot, to play with more intent going forward.

It’s why he’s so reliant on Bates, 29, to hold the defensive unit together.

The former Middlesbrough skipper admitted: "We have massive potential. Even though it is a new season with a new squad of players, what the gaffer showed last season and how he turned it around to a certain degree and brought us together and got us back up the table was great.

"As players, that gives you a lot of confidence going into the new season.

"I was pleased with my own form last season but still think I can do better. I want to build on last year this coming season.

"I am looking forward to it, we have had a long pre-season to try and get as fit as possible and to try and stay fit throughout the whole season.

"That has proved hard for me over the years but that is the idea, anyway."

Bates sailed through last season fitness wise. Given his track record of five separate cruciate knee ligament injuries, he has to be nurtured through the season.

"My ambition is to keep fit and play well,’’ he admitted. “I have said it before, it is about taking it one game at a time and I am only 29 with plenty of years ahead of me.

"I still want to play good football and work my way up.

"I don't have any regrets. I am where I am and I am happy here. I had a good year last year and want to carry on that.

"Coming back from injuries is down to hard work and graft, good physios and good surgeons and a bit of luck. Determination from within but over the years you get that with the injuries you go through.

"You get that inner strength, that will not to give up and stop playing. Luckily, the last four or five years I haven't had any bad injuries so hopefully they are in the past.’’

Both Bates and Hignett are former Boro players. There’s a mutual respect which started at the Riverside and now operates at Victoria Park.

Bates admitted: "I didn't really know the manager when we were at Boro, he was playing while I was coming through the youth team.

"He was coaching a couple of times but we have got to know each other well since. He is highly respected in football and in this area.

"He has been great for me since he came in and gave me a contract and I have to repay him for that.

"Every manager approaches things differently, if we work hard for him then he will look after us.

"I have been in many pre-seasons and squads and there is always a big excitement but I like to keep my feet on the ground and see where we go."

Admission today is £10 adults and £5 concessions.