Hartlepool United are closing in on a new manager appointment.

All eyes are on The Vic - or the Prestige Group Stadium - as fans wait to see who is appointed the new manager of Hartlepool United.

This is a landmark moment in the early tenure of Landon Smith, his first managerial appointment - though it will be heavily influenced by football advisory firm Bromby and Partners who have been overseeing a widespread review of all football operations at Pools.

They played a significant role in the decision to move to appoint a new manager and bring an end to Nicky Featherstone’s time in charge. 13 players were released this week with lots of work to be done on the squad and they too led on that. A crucial decision lies in store next, who is the next Pools boss? Lee Cattermole, former Sunderland and Middlesbrough midfield enforcer, is the leading contender as reported earlier.

Now the 38-year-old doesn’t have any managerial experience so it would be a bold and brave move. He does though, bring plenty of experience of top flight football and contacts he can draw upon including the clubs he played at on the doorstep in the North East. He has also previously won plaudits for his work at Boro with the youth players and he is determined and ambitious on the managerial front.

Cattermole has previously worked as Under-18s lead coach at Middlesbrough and a short spell as first team coach at Bristol Rovers. Featherstone, meanwhile, was also a novice when he was handed the reins. In the end, he produced an admirable performance as Pools boss; 32 National League games. 44% win ratio. 1.56 points per game averaged.

When announcing the decision to move away from Featherstone - who could yet remain in a coaching role - Smith revealed: "Following a thorough review of our football operations conducted by Bromby and Partners, we have taken the decision to move in a specific direction in terms of our first-team manager profile, and at this stage in Nicky’s career development, he does not fit that profile.”

So who does fit the profile? Cattermole? Pools fans are hoping to find out one way or the other soon enough.

What has Landon Smith previously said about Nicky Featherstone and the new manager search?

Landon Smith, owner and chairman of Hartlepool United, said in a written statement on the club website in April: "Nicky has made a tremendous contribution to this football club over a long period of time.

"As a player, a captain and now as a manager, he has always represented Hartlepool United with professionalism, honesty and a deep sense of responsibility. "He is a legend of this club and his connection with our supporters and the town is something that deserves huge respect.

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"Nicky stepped into the role earlier this season at a time when the club needed leadership and stability. "We are grateful to him for his commitment and the contribution he has made during his time in charge. "Following a thorough review of our football operations conducted by Bromby and Partners, we have taken the decision to move in a specific direction in terms of our first-team manager profile, and at this stage in Nicky’s career development, he does not fit that profile.

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"The process with Bromby and Partners has provided a clear assessment and proposal of what is required to move forward, with the long-term aim of achieving promotion into the English Football League. "With Nicky’s consent, we wanted to communicate that outcome to supporters at the earliest opportunity.

"This change is the next step in a number of developments across our football and operational structure, as we continue to strengthen on and off the pitch. "It is important to be clear that this does not diminish Nicky’s contribution in any way. "He will always be someone who is highly respected, and there are opportunities for Nicky to be part of the club moving forward, if he feels that is the right step in supporting his development.”

Your next Hartlepool United read: Ex-Sunderland and Middlesbrough midfielder Lee Cattermole contender for Hartlepool United job with decision imminent