By the looks of the pics on the OS, Bates isn't joining in with the training. This is either the reason why he looks about 2 clem overweight, or he's hung up his boots and become a full time coach or Assistant Manager..

Definitely need a couple of Central Defenders now..

Confirmed as first team coach on the OS

Coach or player coach?

yes he is driving the coach to games.

Player coach, managing the reserve team but says he will be available for selection if needed. Means we definitely need another couple of centre backs now!

We need more centre borts

Makes sense to me. Still under contract so would rather it be used on him focussing on his coaching and get another CB in

Echo reports "Stewart Parnaby understood to have left the club"

What about his brother Stuart?

Kept back at school to improve his spelling!

Will their be hell on about Parnaby?

They should at least allow him to keep the treatment table as a souvenir of his time with the club.

Oh well , looks like he is here for the time being. I'm not a fan. If he could stay fit he could play with his eyes closed at this level, of course that is hardly likely to happen, job as coach sounds like he could be used sparingly as a player.

I imagine Donnelly will be focusing on centre back now we have magnay and that new left back no doubt ahead of him.

Shame that he seems to have lost his love of playing. If coaching is where he wants to be then fair enough but I think he could have done ok in this league. Maybe he's had enough of relentless injuries. I know he says he'll keep himself in shape in case needed but i would have thought you need to play regularly at some level or other to stay sharp.
Wonder whether we'll get a CB on loan? (I expect all of you already know to be fair!)

You could be right about losing the desire to play but it may equally be down to physically not being up to playing every week.

I suspect he realises he's not got much longer left playing and wants to get a head start in coaching while still playing whenever he can.

If he hasn't the desire to play, has he the desire to coach? or is it just money for old rope? If he cant play week in week out, then why doesn't he retire? and concentrate on the coaching.

I know the lad has had a career riddled with injuries but I get the impression he just cant be arsed with the training etc. I am right , he is 30 isn't he not 40?. Players with passion want to play the game for as long as they can, whether taking painkillers or wearing knee supports etc. If he had the desire and passion he could coast through games at this level but I think his heart left the game before he signed for us. As usual HUFC provide one last payday.

His experience of playing at the highest level for a long time and his knowledge of these players should stand him in good stead.

He's more than capable when fit. Many a player has given up after the sort/number of injuries he's had.
We've got an extra option at CB and a coach on probably no more of a wage. From what's been said I understand he's trusted to train as he sees fit due to his physical limitations so if true can't see either job impacting on the other time wise. For me this is the best option for all parties.

I wonder if that was the case last season? train when he felt up to it. No wonder we got relegated

Bates had two long spells out last season but still managed 24 starts. He was an unused sub for Dave Jones from the middle of March.

It's clear his playing career is winding down and he's definitely more use to Pools these days as a coach. I'd be surprised if he came off the bench more than a couple of times next season - emergency cover for an injury crisis.