EX-PREMIER LEAGUE star Lee Clark has been appointed manager at Hartlepool United.
The former and midfielder, 53, takes over the ambitious National League outfit following a short stint at .
Hartlepool have named Lee Clark as their new manager Credit: Shutterstock Editorial
Big Pools fan Jeff Stelling gave the appointment the seal of approval Credit: Getty
And his appointment, along with old Pools captain Gary Liddle on his first-team coaching staff and ex midfielder Chris Beech as head of recruitment, has got the seal of approval from Hartlepool’s most famous fan Jeff Stelling.
Geordie Clarke previously managed Huddersfield Town, Birmingham City, Blackpool and Kilmarnock before overseas stints at Al-Merrikh and Al-Ittihad.
Clarke said: “I’m incredibly proud to be given the opportunity to lead this football club. Hartlepool United is a club with a strong identity, passionate supporters and a real connection with its town.
“From my conversations with Chris Maxwell [head of football operations] and the chairman, it was clear there is a genuine determination throughout the club to build something supporters can believe in again and that ambition was a huge part of why I wanted to be involved.
“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.
“We want a team that competes with intensity, plays with purpose and understands the responsibility that comes with representing this football club. Standards are hugely important and we want players who demand the best from themselves and each other every day.”
reacted to the news on X, he said: “Welcome to @Official_HUFC Lee Clark. Took me by surprise but Lee has been a regular visitor for years and always wanted to have a go at managing our club. Now he has his shot, I know we are all going to back him and Poolie old boy Chris Beech. They’ll have our club at heart imo.”
Hartlepool, who finished 13 points adrift of the play-offs, are embarking on a new era under the ownership of American Landon Smith, who completed his takeover from Raj Singh last December.
READ MORE FOOTBALL
Clark took over Rotherham on a short-term contract for the final nine games of the League One season but was unable to prevent relegation.
Despite making it clear he wanted to stay and mount a promotion charge, the Millers decided to move in a different direction.
Former England manager Steve McClaren, who quit his job as Jamaica boss having failed to qualify for this summer’s World Cup, is believed to be on the verge of accepting a director of football-type role.
He will start the process of appointing the Millers’ new head coach.
Ex-England manager Steve McClaren looks set to join Rotherham Credit: AFP
Eze Chidiebere Paul
I'm dedicated to creating high-quality content that informs, inspires, and delights. If you have any questions or suggestions, don't hesitate to get in touch. Happy reading!
