Hartlepool United name Lennie Lawrence as caretaker manager ahead of Oxford City fixture

The 76-year-old will be assisted by first-team coach Antony Sweeney and his first game in charge will be Saturday’s home match against Oxford City.

The club said the search for a permanent manager is “well underway” and they hope to appoint someone soon.

Lawrence has previously managed at Charlton (1981-1991), Middlesbrough (1991 to 1994) including the club’s promotion to the Premier League, and Luton (1995-2000).

He has managed over 1,000 games and worked as a coach, a manager and director of football for clubs including Bradford, Cardiff and Crystal Palace.

In November 2022, Lawrence joined Hartlepool as a non-executive director to act in an advisory role on footballing matters.

Pools stated in Wednesday’s announcement: “Lennie has attended the majority of games both last season and this season in his existing role for the Club, as such he knows the current playing squad and staff well.

"Antony will continue to be out on the grass for training this week, ensuring the correct preparations for the match against Oxford City are made.

"The search for a new permanent manager is well underway and we hope to appoint someone in the near future.”

The announcement comes after John Askey and assistant Mark Goodlad left the club after ten months following last weekend’s 2-0 defeat at Oldham Athletic.

Pools currently sit 18th in the Vanarama National League, four points above the relegation places.