Ex-Hartlepool United forward reacts after landing first job in management

Monkhouse has been named as Pontefract Collieries’ new manager, the 39-year-old – who signed for Tadcaster Albion in January - takes over as successor to Craig Parry.

Reflecting on his new challenge at the Northern Premier League Division One North West outfit, Monkhouse told the club website: “After speaking with people at the club, they made me aware of the plans in place here and their aspirations for the club.

“Then on a personal level the opportunity to be able to take my first senior management role is exciting and I hope that together we can move on to the next level.

”I do have a philosophy of how I think the game should be played and how I want my team to perform on and off the field. However I wouldn't pigeon hole myself as a specific type of manager at the start of my managerial career, but from my experience in my career so far I am clear in how I want to work.

“At the moment it is just a matter of preparing and waiting for the go ahead for the season to start and then getting into preseason. I will be busy in the meantime making phone calls about getting bodies into the club. Plenty of people have been in touch and have offered their help and recommendations, which is much appreciated.”

Pools fan favourite Monkhouse made almost 300 appearances for the club over a seven-year spell between 2007 and 2014.