Opinion: Hartlepool United have it all to prove as Lee Clark reign comes to a swift and decisive end
They always say few things in football should catch you by surprise.
But it would be safe to suggest Lee Clark delivered a dose of the unexpected when he met the local media after Hartlepool United’s home defeat against Worthing.
Of course, nobody could deny the pressure had been ramped up on the former Newcastle United and Sunderland midfielder after his side failed to build on a promising first week of the season that brought maximum points from meetings with Barrow and Aldershot Town.
Despite a narrow home win against Woking earlier this month, a run of five defeats in their last six games meant the pressure felt close to boiling point when Pools walked out ahead of their lunchtime kick-off against National League newcomers Worthing.
Just under two hours later, the boos that rang around Victoria Park left Clark and his players only too aware of the understandable anguish and anger over how quickly what felt like a season of renaissance and a rejuvenation of fortunes was slipping through their fingers.
Yet still, the awaiting North East media pack were caught unawares as Clark confirmed his was stepping down from his role as Pools head coach with immediate effect and explained the reasons behind his decision.
There didn’t seem to be any anger and it felt like the message was delivered with a clinical edge that his players would have benefited from showing during their latest poor performance and defeat.
In every sense of this word, this was resignation. A decision prompted by an understanding it would take a mammoth effort to turn the tide as confidence appeared to be at a low and any belief that an improvement could be found slipped away with the sound of the full-time whistle.
Although the decision appeared to catch club officials by surprise, there is a need for decisive action from the Victoria Park hierarchy if they are to resurrect the club’s fortunes this season and give supporters the side they deserve.
There is still seven months remaining in the season and it is far too soon to simply write off the campaign and plan for next year.
Some will suggest a romantic return of Dave Challinor should be made a priority and there is no doubt the Pools board could restore some belief by appointing the man that guided the club back into the National League during his reign.
Challinor has been at a number of Pools games recently, sitting alongside the excellent Rob Law as part of BBC Tees Sport’s commentary team – and it is all too clear that he still has a passion and love for the club.
Several other names will be floated – and there are a number of experienced National League managers out of work and looking for a route back into the dugout.
Stuart Maynard is one example that has been floated online and he has a point to prove after he was shown the door by York City just months after leading them to the National League title.
No matter what lies ahead over another period of change at Pools, supporters must emerge on the other side knowing their beloved club are heading in the right direction under the watch of a head coach or manager they can all believe in.