Who should Hartlepool United look to replace Graeme Lee with. (Photo by Lewis Storey/Getty Images)Who should Hartlepool United look to replace Graeme Lee with. (Photo by Lewis Storey/Getty Images)
Who should Hartlepool United look to replace Graeme Lee with. (Photo by Lewis Storey/Getty Images)

Next Hartlepool United manager: Ex-Sunderland, Leeds United and Middlesbrough bosses and Newcastle United legend considered after former Real Madrid defender rules himself out

Hartlepool United’s search for a new manager begins today after the club confirmed the sacking of Graeme Lee.

Pools announced Lee’s exit less than 48-hours before their final game of the season against Colchester United after ‘a significant downturn in results and performances over recent months, despite investment in new players during the January transfer window.’

Lee was in charge for five months at the Suit Direct Stadium after he replaced Dave Challinor in December.

The former Middlesbrough academy man led Pools to League Two safety as well as the fourth round of the FA Cup and the semi-final of the EFL Trophy.

But results have dwindled over recent weeks with Pools winning just one of their last 11 games which has led to chairman Raj Singh relieving Lee of his duties with just one game remaining.

But who is in line to replace Lee?

Here, at The Mail, we look at who could be next in line at the Suit Direct Stadium. Ex-Middlesbrough and Real Madrid defender Jonathan Woodgate has already ruled himself out.

The former Middlesbrough academy man led Pools to League Two safety as well as the fourth round of the FA Cup and the semi-final of the EFL Trophy.