FORMER Newcastle defender Steve Howey has emerged as a surprise contender for the vacant managerial position at Hartlepool after submitting an application this week.

Howey is keen to succeed the recently-departed Danny Wilson at Victoria Park, and would hope to appoint Hull midfielder Dean Windass in a player-coach role.

The former England international would also find a role for former Hull and York manager Terry Dolan, as well as offering Brian Honour and Paul Baker a return to Hartlepool in a coaching capacity.

While director of sport Chris Turner will be in temporary command for tomorrow night’s home game with Southend, sources close to Ken Hodcroft insist the Pools chairman is still to make a decision on Wilson’s long-term successor.

Former Darlington boss David Hodgson is also understood to have expressed an interest in the post, but Howey’s candidature will make particular appeal because of the calibre of people he is hoping to bring with him.

The 37-year-old made one substitute appearance for Hartlepool at the end of a playing career with Newcastle, Manchester City, Leicester and Bolton, and while his managerial experience has been outside the Football League, he would surround himself with experienced figures if he was appointed, with Honour and Baker popular appointments because of their extensive links with Pools.