Lee Clark reveals 'very competitive' Hartlepool United budget ahead of new National League season
New Hartlepool United first team head coach Lee Clark has been speaking to The Mail.
Lee Clark has revealed Hartlepool United have a ‘very competitive’ budget ahead of the new National League campaign - with a lot of work needed on the squad.
The new Pools first team head coach was speaking to The Mail as he was unveiled at The Vic following his appointment, with Chris Beech also named as the new head of recruitment. Gary Liddle retains his place on the coaching staff, with another coaching appointment to be made over the summer.
And the next priority will be to secure a raft of new signings to help aid a promotion push this season. Last week 13 players were released and there are now only seven players currently contracted to the club with deals offered to a further three - although an announcement on that front is expected soon.
Pools remain in contract discussions with Luke Charman, Campbell Darcy and Jack Hunter. Kian Foreman, Max Kouogun, Jamie Miley and Nathan Sheron were all under contract for next season, with options activated on Jay Benn, Josh Donaldson and Reiss McNally.
When asked by the Mail about the budget provided by owner Landon Smith, Clark said: “Very competitive. It's in the top part of the division, it's very competitive. I know from where I've just come from, it's bigger than some in the league above as well.
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“But we've got to get it right. It doesn't matter what your budget is, you've got to spend it wisely. You can easily not do that and it doesn't work, so we have to do that. At least we know there's a clear focus and there's a clear identity of what I want to do. Everyone's acutely aware of that and we know the type of players to fit those profiles.”
The 53-year-old replaces Nicky Featherstone, who left the club following a ninth-placed finish in the National League. Clark ended last season in charge of Rotherham but was unable to prevent the South Yorkshire side suffering relegation from League One.
The former midfielder, who represented Newcastle, Sunderland and Fulham during his playing career, has also managed Blackpool, Kilmarnock, Bury and Blyth Spartans, in addition to managerial spells in Sudan and Oman. Former Pools captain Liddle will remain part of the first-team coaching staff, while Beech has been appointed head of recruitment.
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