Hartlepool United provide club update as hunt for new permanent manager "remains ongoing"

Pools have been without a permanent boss since Simon Grayson was sacked on October 12 following a run of just one win in 11 matches.

Despite that disappointing run of results, Grayson's dismissal came as a shock to many Pools fans, especially given the timing of the decision; Pools had just salvaged an FA Cup fourth qualifying round replay against Northern Premier League Premier Division side Gainsborough Trinity, with the tie set to take place 48 hours after the former Blackpool, Sunderland and Leeds boss was sacked.

Grayson became the latest in a long line of managers to fall victim to controversial chairman and owner Raj Singh's notorious lack of patience; indeed, of Singh's 13 permanent appointments, only promotion-winning boss Dave Challinor has lasted more than a year in the role.

Pools turned to long-serving midfielder Nicky Featherstone, who has combined his playing duties with a place on the coaching staff since the summer of 2024, to take interim charge.

Despite a nightmarish start to life in the dugout as Pools were dumped out of the FA Cup following a miserable performance in their replay with Gainsborough, the 37-year-old has since overseen a run of five games unbeaten that's seen his side revive their faltering National League play-off hopes.

As a result, Featherstone, who has spent more than a decade at Victoria Park and is the club's third highest appearance-maker of all-time, has emerged as one of the favourites to land the manager's job on a permanent basis.

Yet, almost six weeks since Grayson's sacking, it would seem there remains a reluctance on Singh's part to put too much faith in the veteran, who has no managerial experience other than his spell in caretaker charge.

Pools have been strongly linked to Chris Beech, who made more than 100 appearances at Victoria Park during his playing days, this week and the former Carlisle and Fylde boss told the BBC on Wednesday that he'd "spoken to three or four clubs" about the possibility of returning to management.

While fans have been hoping that a permanent appointment, whoever it might be, is getting closer, the latest statement concedes that the hunt for a new manager "remains ongoing at this time".

The statement goes on to say that "some excellent candidates have applied" but that Featherstone, with support from first team coach Elliot Dickman, "will continue to lead first team preparations, including this weekend's away fixture at Eastleigh".

In full, the statement reads:

"Hartlepool United can confirm that the club continues its recruitment process for a permanent first team manager.

"The board has been conducting a thorough and structured review of prior appointments alongside the immediate search for the new manager.

"The board recognises the critical significance of this next appointment, both in terms of fulfilling ambition but also providing permanency.

"Some excellent candidates have applied but for a number of reasons the process remains ongoing at this time.

"During this period, player-coach Nicky Featherstone, supported by Elliott Dickman, will continue to oversee first team responsibilities.

"The interim coaching team have brought stability to the group and guided the side to five matches unbeaten, demonstrating clear progress in performances and results.

"They will continue to lead first team preparations, including this weekend’s away fixture at Eastleigh.

"The club would like to thank supporters for their patience and understanding during this important process.

"Our priority remains ensuring stability for the players and staff and appointing the right candidate to lead Hartlepool United forward long term.

"The club will provide further updates in due course."

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