New Hartlepool United boss: Landon Smith & Chris Maxwell reveal why they wanted Lee Clark as new head coach
The Pools owner Landon Smith and Chris Maxwell have been speaking about the new HUFC head coach
Hartlepool United beat off competition from elsewhere to land Lee Clark as new first team head coach, it has been revealed by club chiefs.
Clark’s ‘clarity of his vision’ for the club moving forward impressed during the interview process as did his “preparation, his attention to detail and his understanding of both the demands of the role and the environment at Pools”.
That’s according to Chris Maxwell, head of football operations at club advisors’ Bromby & Partners who have been leading the search for a new boss this summer following the decision to end Nicky Featherstone’s time in charge at Pools. Gary Liddle will remain at the club as first team coach.
An additional assisting first team coach will be announced in ‘due course following the conclusion of current season commitments’ - with Steve Agnew, currently a coach at League Two play-off hopefuls Salford City among the names heavily linked with a return.
Clark, most recently in charge of Rotherham United, is a UEFA Pro Licence holder. The Wallsend-born head coach has previously led Huddersfield Town, Birmingham City, Blackpool and Kilmarnock.
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What has Landon Smith, owner & chairman of Hartlepool United, said?
“This is a crucial set of appointments for the club and the result of an extensive piece of work that has been going on behind the scenes by Bromby & Partners. Leigh, Stuart and Chris from Bromby & Partners have led a full professional review of the football department and the subsequent processes culminating in these appointments.
“I’m delighted to now formally welcome Lee Clark, Chris Beech and Gary Liddle into their roles as we embark on this exciting new chapter. Lee Clark has extensive managerial and coaching experience at high levels in both English and Scottish football, together with a former playing background in the Premier League and a fundamental understanding of what football in the North East represents.
“Lee’s appointment, alongside Chris Beech and Gary Liddle, was identified as a critical balance of skill sets to help take the club forward, with a further significant coaching appointment to be confirmed in due course. Bromby & Partners have already completed an extensive piece of preparatory work around playing philosophy and player recruitment, and with these appointments now confirmed, I’m looking forward to the next phase as we shape and build the squad ahead of the new season. The football department and summer recruitment task have my full backing.”
What has Chris Maxwell, head of football operations at Bromby & Partners said?
“Our role was to support the club through a full review of football operations and the recruitment processes that followed. Throughout that process, Lee Clark consistently impressed with his preparation, his attention to detail and his understanding of both the demands of the role and the environment at Pools. What stood out most was the clarity of his vision, the demands he places on players and staff and the way he wants his teams to represent the football club.
“Alongside his extensive managerial experience, he demonstrated a real hunger to build the culture and mentality needed to create a competitive environment at the club. There was strong interest in Lee and it was important the club moved decisively to secure a coach with his experience, leadership and belief in what Pools is trying to build. We believe this is an exciting appointment and one that fits the direction the club wants to take.
“It was also important that the club built the right support structure around him. Gary Liddle brings strong knowledge of both the club and the level, while Chris Beech adds significant experience across recruitment and football operations at this level and above. An additional coach will also join the First Team staff and will be announced in due course. Collectively, we believe these appointments provide Pools with a strong football structure heading into the new season.”
Your next Hartlepool United read: Hartlepool United appoint Lee Clark as first team head coach plus new head of recruitment announced