Lee Clark's Hartlepool United reign recalled after Bromby & Partners 'exciting' comments when he was appointed
Lee Clark stepped down from his role as Hartlepool United head coach on Saturday afternoon.
It all seemed so very different during the summer after Lee Clark was appointed as Hartlepool United’s new head coach and several eye-catching signings were secured ahead of the new National League season.
The mood appeared to be positive as the likes of FC Halifax Town striker Will Harris, Chelsea goalkeeper Max Merrick and former Morecambe duo Chris Popov and Jack Nolan all agreed to form part of Clark’s squad as his managerial reign got underway at Victoria Park.
Yet just over three months later, Clark has opted to bring down the curtain on his time as Pools boss after confirming his resignation in the aftermath of Saturday’s home defeat against newly-promoted. That left Pools in the bottom six of the National League table with six defeats in their last seven games - but how did Clark’s reign play out as opening day optimism gave way to anger and frustration?
What did Bromby & Partners say about Lee Clark’s appointment as Hartlepool United head coach?
Chris Maxwell, head of football operations at Bromby & Partners, discussed the appointment with the club website after Clark was named as permanent successor to Nicky Featherstone in May. In a statement released on the club website, the former Blackpool and Fleetwood Town goalkeeper said: “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.”
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What happened during Lee Clark’s nine games in charge of Hartlepool United?
Hartlepool United 2-0 Barrow
Summer signings Will Harris and Jack Nolan earned an opening day win as the Clark reign got off to a positive start. Speaking after the win, Clark once again expressed his determination to play ‘high-risk football’ and revealed his delight over the opening day win. He said: “I said we’ve got an identity and sometimes over the course of a season, that identity will come a little bit unstuck because we are playing high-risk football - but it’s what the fans want to see. They want front-foot, they want us to be competitive.”
Aldershot Town 0-1 Hartlepool United
Clark’s side made it two wins from two games with a hard-earned three points at Aldershot Town thanks to a Corey McKeown goal. The Pools boss praised his players for their performance in baking hot conditions as he said: “I’m drenching on the touchline and the lads have ran through the proverbial brick wall for 99 minutes so we are absolutely delighted with the application and the attitude.”
Sutton United 2-1 Hartlepool United
Clark suffered his first defeat as Pools head coach despite McKeown netting for a second consecutive week. Goals from Temi Babalola and Emmanuel Osadabe helped a physical home side earn all three points as McKeown’s strike failed to gain a reward. Clark insisted his side would learn from the loss as he told BBC Tees Sport: “You learn what has worked for you and what hasn’t. We will certainly be dissecting that and having the usual debrief on Monday morning with the players.”
Hartlepool United 0-1 Eastleigh
Pools fell to a first home defeat of Clark’s reign as Nelson Khumbeni’s late strike gave the Spitfires all three points on a controversial night at The Vic. That came after Pools were reduced to ten men by a debatable red card shown to Neo Eccleston early in the second half. Clark described the defeat as a ‘kick in the teeth’ as his side suffered back-to-back losses.
FC Halifax Town 1-0 Hartlepool United
A third consecutive defeat followed just days later as Will Hugill’s second-half strike helped FC Halifax Town claim a narrow three points at The Shay. Clark urged for his side to show a more ruthless side to their game after they failed to score for the second consecutive fixture.
Hartlepool United 1-0 Woking
There was relief around Victoria Park as Clark’s side returned to winning ways as summer addition Chris Popov grabbed the only goal of the game. The Pools boss reflected on a tough period and expressed his delight over the win as he told The Mail: “I wanted to make sure we got those three points today and get the belief back and the confidence back. The lads are a terrific bunch of players, a great group, the whole squad, not just the 11 that start.”
Kidderminster Harriers 2-0 Hartlepool United
A nightmare night for Neo Eccleston as he scored an own goal and was shown a red card as Pools were beaten by Harriers. Clark reflected on a difficult 90 minutes and claimed there were no positives from the defeat. He said: “Really poor, really disappointing, worst performance by a mile this season. No positives to take - but I accept responsibility, I’m the leader.
Altrincham 2-1 Hartlepool United
Clark produced a defiant response after his side fell to a midweek defeat against Altrincham in the penultimate game of his reign as he told BBC Tees Sport: “What do you want me to do? Do you want me to lie on the floor and start crying? That’s good because I won’t be doing that, that’s for sure.”
Hartlepool United 1-3 Worthing
Will Harris grabbed what would become a consolation goal as Cory Adjetey-Brew, Ricky Aguiar and Jose Marquez got the goals that helped newly-promoted Woking inflict a sixth defeat in seven games on Pools and leave Clark to announce his decision to step down less than half an hour after the full-time whistle.
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