PAUL MURRAY has been entrusted with the task of lifting fortunes at Hartlepool United, after taking over as manager yesterday.

The 38-year-old played the last of his 497 Football League games for Pools in 2013, leaving under John Hughes to sign for Oldham.

He was soon appointed first-team coach with the Latics under boss Lee Johnson.

And Murray is confident the experience of the last 18 months will set up up to achieve a long-held ambition of being a successful football manager, with Pools who sit second bottom in League Two with only three wins to their name this season.

Murray was a dressing room leader in his time at Victoria Park, where he made over 100 appearances in all competitions. He was also in the thoughts of chairman Ken Hodcroft when he last made a managerial appointment, that of Colin Cooper in May 2013.

However, inexperience counted against him then. But he had no hesitation in taking up this role after being approached, and he will be assisted by Willie Donachie, the experienced former Newcastle United coach. Sam Collins, who has been caretaker manager at Pools in recent weeks, will revert to his player-coach role. Stephen Pears will stay on as goalkeeping coach.

“I’m happy to be back here in a managerial capacity,’’ said Murray, the club’s 41st permanent manager and the 11th appointed by owners IOR Ltd since taking over in 1997.

“I was phoned on Wednesday, I said to Oldham I wanted to speak to Hartlepool then I spoke to Russ and the chairman this morning and it’s been a bit of a whirlwind really.

“This is what I’ve wanted to be – it’s a great opportunity. Lee Johnson at Oldham took the chance and I’ve learned a lot and I will bring that to the table and I’ve got my own opinions on stuff as well.

“You take the best bits and forget the bad bits! I’ve worked with a lot of managers. I’ve got Willie in with me and Sam as player-coach – more as a player I suggest.

“I’ve got someone I’m happy with in Willie, he’s local, he knows football. The chairman has been brilliant and it will be my decision what we do with players, formations. I’ll take advice, but it’s my decision.

“There was a few I had in mind, but I met Willie and spoke to him and he’s the right match for me – honest and loyal. It could be a good match.’’

Murray was a combative midfielder in his career, and earned the respect of the Victoria Park crowd in his time at the club.

Speaking to the club’s official website, Murray added on Pools Player: “My style? With the predicament we are in we need to keep a clean sheet. I want my teams to be solid and pass the ball – that’s what I did as a player.

“I’ve ideas, formations and players in mind, I’ve a long list of players to explore and bring in who I want.

“I’ve got to give them a lift, hopefully me coming in will do that. Tactically I believe I am good enough.

“I’m confident in my ability. I always had a focus. I’ve always had an idea to manage and it’s gone really well at Oldham for me, thanks to my old gaffer for that. This is another opportunity to grab with both hands.

“I know the club after being a player here and it’s a similar situation to Oldham. I see old faces here still, it’s nice to know some of the players here as well.

“I think I will be good at man managing and getting the best out of them.’’

Murray will take charge of training this morning, before the players head off for Cambridge.

“I have to get to know the players. I’ve worked with Sam and I will be straight in there to rally the troops for the weekend,’’ he added.

OIdham issued a strange and short statement last evening, but Murray won’t be stopped from taking charge and will be in the dug out at Cambridge tomorrow.

Their statement read “Oldham Athletic have been made aware that First-Team Coach Paul Murray has joined Hartlepool United as their First Team Manager.

There are contractual issues still to be resolved but the club would like to place on record its thanks to Paul for his services and wish him all the very best for the future.’’