Here's a look at the latest betting odds as a familiar face emerges as the front-runner to land the Pools manager's job on a permanent basis, according to BettingLounge.
1. Antony Sweeney - 3/1
The Pools legend, who spent more than two decades at Victoria Park, made 444 appearances, won two promotions and has had four separate spells in caretaker charge, has emerged as the surprise favourite to land the manager's job at Victoria Park, according to Betting Lounge. However, given that the 42-year-old has only recently taken on a new role as a first team coach at League One promotion-chasers Stockport, reuniting with former Pools boss Dave Challinor in August, it would be a shock were he to be too interested in risking a return to the North East. Photo: Alex Burstow/Getty Images
2. Phil Parkinson - 5/1
Parkinson was sacked by fellow National League side Altrincham last month following a hugely successful eight-year spell with the Robins, leading them from the Northern Premier League to the fifth tier and masterminding a play-off finish in the 2023/24 season. While the Greater Manchester side have endured a difficult start to the new campaign and Parkinson was dismissed following a run of seven games without a win, it's worth remembering that the Robins lost Regan Linney, who scored 24 goals in 43 matches last term, influential attacker Alex Newby and popular winger Justin Amaluzor over the summer. Certainly, Parkinson is a coach with a big reputation, but it remains to be seen whether an immediate return to management with Pools would appeal. Photo: George Wood/Getty Images
3. Graham Coughlan - 13/2
Pools were rebuffed after making a well-documented approach for the straight-talking Irishman over the summer after he masterminded a remarkable escape from National League relegation last term with Boston, leading the Pilgrims to safety despite the Lincolnshire side being 12 points adrift at one stage. While there was plenty of optimism that Boston might be set to kick on this season, it hasn't quite happened like that so far and the Pilgrims are languishing in 17th having lost three of their last four games. Whether that might change things for Pools, Boston or Coughlan is unclear. Photo: Getty Images : f
4. Nigel Worthington - 7/1
The former Northern Ireland manager has emerged as another surprise contender according to the bookmakers despite not having taken charge of a club since his resignation as York boss in October 2014. Photo: Julian Finney