TERRY DOLAN has emerged as the leading candidate to succeed Mike Newell in the Hartlepool United hot-seat.

Dolan was axed as manager of York City on Friday - the same day Newell was told his contract was not going to be renewed - as part of a cost-cutting exercise at Bootham Crescent.

And now the former York boss is understood to be in with a strong chance of bouncing straight back into management at Victoria Park.

The former Bradford and Hull boss guided the Minstermen to just outside a play-off place in the season just ended, despite having to operate with the backdrop of financial turmoil.

And on the basis of that relative success Dolan, who is known to be ready to put his name forward for the vacant post at Pool, will be seriously considered by the Second Division new boys.

The 52-year-old was also thought to have been in contention for the manager's job at Third Division Rochdale, who parted company with Paul Simpson after the last game of the season.

But the Spotland outfit handed former Grimsby Town boss Alan Buckley the chance to mastermind Dale's bid for promotion in 2003-04.

And now Dolan is going to try to persuade Pool that he is the right man to lead the assault on the Second Division for the first time since 1991.

Contrary to many supporters' beliefs, Pool have not already lined up a replacement for Newell.

The club, who are still remaining tight-lipped over the departure of the former Blackburn man, are inviting applications from interested parties and no decision on a new appointment is expected to be reached until well into next week at the earliest.

There had been strong suggestions that fans' favourite Gordon Watson was already in line for a quick return as boss alongside former Exeter boss Neil McNab.

After his final game against Rushden & Diamonds Watson, who was not offered a new contract by Newell, had indicated that he would love to return as manager one day.

"I've played for other clubs, but the warmth I've had from these supporters is like nothing else," he said. "I feel more passionate about them than any other club.

"There's some people here I couldn't care less about now, but the fans - they are number one for me.

"I'm going now and I may come back at a later date. I want to be a manager when I'm older and I would definitely like to be back here.

"I've got a great start haven't I? I've got the fans on my side."

Former Portsmouth reserve team coach McNab, who played four times for Darlington, has forged a good friendship with Watson over the years.

However, while Watson would be heralded by the fans he would not be a welcome appointment in the dressing room.

The much-travelled former Southampton striker was a strong character and many players would be disappointed to have to work under him.

Meanwhile, former Middlesbrough star Tony Mowbray is expected to put his name forward for the Pool job again.

The former centre-back expressed an interest in the role when Chris Turner left the club back in November.

Former Darlington bosses Brian Little and Dave Hodgson remain in contention, especially so after losing out in the race to take control at Rochdale.

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