Surprise twist in Hartlepool United manager hunt as ex-Sunderland & Newcastle United midfielder linked
Hartlepool United fans wait for news of the new manager.
The wait for Hartlepool United fans goes on.
Pools are yet to announce who will be taking charge at The Vic following Nicky Featherstone’s spell as manager coming to an end in the season finale defeat away at Boston United.
Former Sunderland and Middlesbrough midfielder - and ex-Boro youth coach - Lee Cattermole, 38, remains the leading contender to take charge, news of Pools’ interest in him broke at the end of last week. There were also reports suggesting that his assistant was set to be former Sunderland winger - and HUFC No2 under Martin Scott - Steve Agnew. Agnew, 60, is currently a coach at League Two side Salford City having joined them in February of this year, they remain in the promotion battle and face Grimsby Town in the second leg on Friday night, leading 2-1 in the tie.
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There is, however, yet to be any further public developments on the manager front, with Pools fans hoping the new boss is installed quickly so the club can quickly press on with the much-needed squad overhaul.
Pools have no choice on that front with 13 players released last week, there are now only seven players currently contracted to the club with deals offered to a further three. There is, then, a great deal of work to be done. In a surprise twist, on Monday former Sunderland and Newcastle United midfielder Lee Clark was linked with the role.
News of the Clark link was reported by Football Insider reporter Pete O’Rourke, he posted on X: “Understand Hartlepool have made a late move for Lee Clark to become their new manager ahead of Lee Cattermole. Clark ended the season as Rotherham manager and was expected to stay with the Millers.”
Meanwhile, the Yorkshire Post report: “Clark has been linked with the managerial vacancy at Hartlepool United amid uncertainty in the Rotherham United dugout. With the Millers plummeting towards League Two, Clark was installed as Matt Hamshaw’s replacement at the New York Stadium in March.
“He was handed a short-term deal and tasked with arresting the club’s alarming slump. The 53-year-old, who has also managed the likes of Huddersfield Town and Birmingham City, was unable to save the South Yorkshire club from the drop. It remains to be seen who will lead Rotherham into the 2026/27 season, as there has not been an official announcement over Clark’s future.”
Pools, meanwhile, 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. Pools fans await news of the new manager appointment and it is one new owner Landon Smith - and football advisors Bromby and Partners - simply have to get right.
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