New head coach Lee Clark sends transfer message Hartlepool United fans will love
Hartlepool United boss Lee Clark has been talking about his recruitment plans.
New Hartlepool United head coach Lee Clark and head of recruitment Chris Beech have a big job on their hands this summer rebuilding the Pools squad.
There is a great deal to be done on the transfer front ahead of the new National League 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.
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.
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So with that in mind, Pools fans are expecting a big summer of change at The Vic. And Clark has outlined some of the key attributes he wants his players to have - and it should excite the Pools fanbase.
“I want ridiculously fit footballers who can play with high intensity,” he told the club website. “I want a team that presses, plays on the front foot and shows desire, togetherness and passion every single week.
“We know recruitment is hugely important and we’re already working hard behind the scenes to bring the right players in as early as possible for pre-season.”
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.
“Hartlepool United is a club with a strong identity, passionate supporters and a real connection with its town,” Clark told the club website. “My focus now is on building a team that reflects the energy, honesty and work ethic that people in this town expect to see every week.” Former Pools captain Gary Liddle will remain part of the first-team coaching staff, while Beech has been appointed head of recruitment.
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