Hartlepool United linked with Halifax star striker Will Harris plus Lee Cattermole linked with Gateshead role
Hartlepool United news round-up.
Prior to Lee Clark’s appointment as Hartlepool United head coach, Lee Cattermole had been heavily linked with the role.
And now the former Sunderland midfielder is in talks to become Gateshead’s next head coach, according to reports. The National League outfit are on the hunt for a new boss following Rob Elliot’s departure on Tyneside, with the ex-Newcastle United goalkeeper joining up with Carlisle United late last month.
Prior to leaving Gateshead, Elliot had masterminded a remarkable escape from relegation during the latter stages of the 2025/26 campaign. Addressing the reasons behind his exit, Elliot cited budgetary disagreements and an inability to access “certain immediate infrastructure”.
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But according to an update from The Chronicle, Cattermole could be in line to step into the dugout at the Gateshead International Stadium. The 38-year-old reportedly held talks with the Tynesiders last summer, and, despite missing out on the job at the time, impressed the club’s hierarchy during his interview process.
As such, discussions have seemingly been rekindled, and it is stated that Cattermole is now the “frontrunner” for the vacant role. For his part, the former Stadium of Light favourite is understood to have been “waiting for the right opportunity” to make his first foray into senior management. Recently, Cattermole was heavily linked with a role at Hartlepool United, but the National League side instead opted to appoint another ex-Sunderland man, Lee Clark.
Cattermole’s previous coaching experience includes a stint with Middlesbrough’s youth academy, as well as a short-lived spell with Bristol Rovers.
Meanwhile, BBC Tees report Hartlepool United are keen on a move for prolific Halifax Town striker Will Harris - but face stiff competition from other National League clubs plus clubs in the EFL. South Shields-born Harris, 25, has also featured for Sunderland, Gateshead and Spennymoor Town.
Posting on X, Rob Law said: “Understand Hartlepool Utd are competing hard for Will Harris’s signature from Halifax. A top priority & rated highly by Pools. The player would be open to a move back to the North East, but Pools up against EFL & NL clubs. The fight for his signature is ON.”
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