Hartlepool United Women have announced their first signing of the summer as Caitlin Bates has returned to Victoria Park.

Matt Gattis has made his first signing as Pools Women manager in the form of influential forward Bates.

The striker is no stranger to Pools, having first joined the Club as a teenager before progressing into the senior team and racking up an astonishing 66 goals in 60 appearances.

Last season, Bates was a key part of the Spennymoor Town side that finished second in the NERWFL Premier Division. She claimed 35 goal contributions from 28 appearances for the Moors, and she now returns to Pools to fuel their promotion charge.

Upon returning to Pools Women, Bates stated:

“I’m absolutely buzzing to be back. As soon as the opportunity came up, it was a no-brainer. There’s a drive and ambition at the Club, and from speaking to Matt Gattiss it’s all really positive. I was here as a 14-year-old, and now it feels like I’m back home. Last year was excellent on a personal level for myself at Spennymoor, and fingers crossed I can continue that here and help the team win promotion.”

Pools Women have already organised several friendlies before their season gets underway in September, starting with a trip to Harrogate Town Women on July 21st.