HARTLEPOOL United's new manager Martin Scott last night made his first signing at Victoria Park when Steve Agnew agreed to become his right hand man.

The pair were team-mates at Sunderland for three years between 1995 and 1998, and Agnew has left his role on the Leeds United coaching staff to form part of Pool's new managerial team for the new season.

Scott was appointed Pool boss on a permanent basis last weekend and admitted recruiting a new coach was among his priorities.

Agnew and Kevin Ball were both linked with the post. Ball earlier this week ruled himself out of the running and Agnew, who made 71 appearances for the Black Cats, is Scott's choice and will have the title of reserve team manager.

The 39-year-old, who started his coaching career at Middlesbrough's Academy before being lured to Leeds by Peter Reid, admitted: "I now have a real challenge at Hartlepool, a progressive club that have laid the foundations to be successful, and I can't wait to get started on what is a very exciting opportunity for me."

Scott, currently at Warwick University working for his UEFA Pro Licence said: "Steve has coached at the highest level and it shows the ambition there is at the club that we have moved to bring him in.

"I would like to thank Ken Hodcroft and IOR for their support in getting Steve to the Club - it shows how we have progressed when a top coach like Steve Agnew moves from a Championship club to Hartlepool to enhance his career.''

Agnew moved to Elland Road as reserve team boss before stepping up to the first-team last season when Adrian Boothroyd left to take over at Watford.

His first competitive game for his new club will be at home to Bradford City on the opening day of the season and he added: "Initially I came to Leeds as reserve team coach, it has obviously been a difficult season but we got through it and the club is much stronger now and I thoroughly enjoyed my time there.

"I supported Kevin Blackwell and Sam Ellis by filling in where Adie left off and it really has been an honour to work at such a fantastic football club.

"The support I had from Kevin and Sam was tremendous and they have been helpful in so many ways. I am sure any success that is to be had in the future by myself will partly be due to the help I have had from them.''

Leeds boss Blackwell was quick to acknowledge the role Agnew played at Elland Road last season. "We weren't signing finished articles last season and we would have to work hard with them and I wanted to get the highest qualified and most motivated staff I could find,'' he admitted.

"Sure enough less than 12 months later clubs have come in to take my staff because they have recognised the work we have done here, and Steve was very much part of that.

"We wish Steve the best of luck with Hartlepool and I am sure he will be successful.''

Paul Stephenson will continue in his role in charge of the youth team.

* Pool have been seeded for the Carling Cup draw which will be made on Tuesday.

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