GRAEME Lee last night confirmed Hartlepool United's worst-kept secret when he announced he is leaving the club.

On the day chairman Ken Hodcroft started interviews for the vacant managerial position, the 24-year-old finally confirmed he is rejecting the club's offer of a new contract after eight years and 252 games at Victoria Park.

And that paves the way for the predicted reunion with former boss Chris Turner. Turner has confirmed his interest in Lee, who is believed to have already undergone a medical at Hillsborough.

But Pool have already started seeking replacements for the defender named in last season's PFA Division Three team of the year, with Bury's former Bishop Auckland defender Micky Nelson - The Shakers' player of the year - on the list.

Lee said: "I've loved every minute of my time at the club, but I now feel I am at a time in my career where I need to try and step up a little bit and seek a fresh challenge.

"Since the season ended I have done a lot of thinking and decided I need to find a new club.

"It's been very difficult for me, but one of the nicest things for me is that before I left we were promoted - and that means some brilliant memories.''

Hodcroft is believed to have started interviews in Newcastle yesterday - which would rule out former Rochdale and Barnsley boss Steve Parkin, who is currently on holiday.

Pool youth team coach Martin Scott wants the job and was interviewed when Newell was appointed last November, but he is with his family in Florida and not back until the weekend.

Tony Mowbray's interest was first registered in Northern Echo SPORT on June 3 and ex-Spurs defender Richard Gough was linked over the weekend.

Ex-Sunderland boss Peter Reid has recommended Paul Bracewell for the job after selecting Kevin Blackwell as his No 2 at Leeds ahead of the England under-18 coach.

Hodcroft is also holding interviews in Aberdeen and that could relate to one-time Pool midfielder Gardner Spiers, who was recently assistant manager at Pittodrie and keen to move into management.

Newell, meanwhile, is one of three names shortlisted for the vacant Luton job. He was one of nine listed last week and fans voted him one of their three prime candidates, along with Steve Cotterill and Joe Kinnear.

The "Manager Idol" is now in its final stages with voting restricted to season-ticket holders, members, directors, player and shareholders.

Kinnear is likely to win the vote - but he is unlikely to return to Kenilworth Road after leaving in controversial circumstances earlier this month.

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