Former Hartlepool United manager lands surprise role in Ireland

Simon Grayson has returned to football in a surprise new role almost three months after his departure from Hartlepool United.

The former Sunderland and Leeds United boss was named as Pools new manager during the summer and a hectic period of recruitment led to eight new signings making their debuts in the opening day draw at National League rivals Yeovil Town. That sparked a run of seven games unbeaten and Pools were sitting firmly in the play-off places by the time they suffered a first defeat of the season at promotion contenders Forest Green Rovers in early September.

A spell of inconsistent form and successive defeats to Carlisle United and York City took Grayson’s side into a nervy FA Cup fourth qualifying round tie with Northern Premier League club Gainsborough Trinity on a low - and only a late equaliser from Nathan Ferguson prevented Pools from suffering a major upset against their step three opponents.

However, that would go down as the last game of Grayson’s reign after his four-month reign was brought to an end by former Pools owner Raj Singh just days later and current boss Nicky Featherstone had been placed in interim charge by the time Gainsborough claimed a shock 3-1 win at the Prestige Group Stadium just three days later.

Grayson will now return to football after being named as an advisor at League of Ireland club Cork City and one of his main responsibilities will be to help appoint a new manager following the departure of former boss Gerard Nash last month.

What have Cork City said about Simon Grayson’s new role at the club?

A club statement released on Tuesday read: “Cork City Football Club has announced the appointment of Simon Grayson as Advisor to the Board. Grayson's primary focus will be working closely with the board to finalise the appointment of a new First Team Manager, aligned with the club’s vision and ambition. His role will also include an analysis of the club’s existing football structures in order to establish robust methods and structures. This process is designed with the intention of propelling Cork City back to the League of Ireland Premier Division, and reestablishing them there. His appointment comes at a crucial time as the club seeks to reclaim its place among Ireland's elite.

“Simon brings a distinguished career in football management to Leeside, with an impressive track record that includes multiple league titles and cup triumphs. After more than 500 games as a player and Simon counts some 800 games as a manager of clubs such as Blackpool, Leeds United, Preston North End and Sunderland. In his time as a manager, he has overseen a win percentage of over 45%, four English Football League promotions, as well as winning trophies in India and Nepal in recent years.

“The partnership between Simon Grayson and Cork City FC represents an alignment of ambition and tradition, as the club gains a leader who understands what it takes to build successful football operations from the boardroom to the pitch. While this process is ongoing, the current interim management team of David Meyler, Liam Kearney and Mark McNulty will continue to oversee first team affairs.”

Your next Hartlepool United read: Hartlepool United midfielder relishing the prospect of Victoria Park atmosphere following Landon Smith's takeover