THE career paths of Glenn Roeder and Paul Stephenson have crossed on more than one occasion in the past.

As players they both made names for themselves in the Newcastle United side of the mid-80s.

Now the pair are impressing in their roles as temporary managers - Roeder at St James' Park and Stephenson at Hartlepool United.

Both are unbeaten since being asked to take over, Stephenson in four games ahead of this afternoon's trip to Scunthorpe, Roeder five before taking on Bolton today.

Stephenson replaced Martin Scott as Pool boss last month and has been placed in control until the end of the season.

But, according to Roeder, Pool should be doing everything they can to keep hold of the 38-year-old as he builds a good reputation off the field.

Stephenson coached at the Newcastle Academy before taking over as Pool's youth team coach and has seamlessly made the step-up to first team level in recent weeks.

And Roeder, Stephenson's Tyneside skipper during their time as team-mates, admitted: "I'm not surprised he has done so well at Hartlepool with the youth team and his coaching.

"He is such an outward going, smiley-faced person that I knew players would respond to him. I've seen him coach, we've had a couple of behind closed doors friendlies against Hartlepool and he has taken the team.

"I've stood on the sidelines and I've listened to the instructions he has given his players and it is terrific. It is what I would want my coaches to be saying to players.

"Because it is Hartlepool are we expecting this horrible long-ball game? Well it is not, he is asking his players to pass the ball through midfield.''

And, pointedly, Roeder added: "He is a coach that Hartlepool will do well to keep eventually in my opinion.

"He has got lots of ability as a coach. I don't know what he'll be like at senior level, but the one thing players will find from Paul is honesty. He rings me once a week; which he has done since I've been back up here and it is great to talk to him.

"In my opinion Hartlepool will have to be careful because they might lose a top coach. He is ambitious and he has been here (Newcastle) as a coach so I believe.''

Stephenson has drawn three and won one of his games in charge, conceding only one goal in that run, when Doncaster's Ross McCormack drove in from 30 yards in last week's 1-1 draw.

The run hasn't yet been enough to lift Pool away from the relegation zone but he has put Pool on the road to recovery.

And he admitted taking some advice from Roeder during his time in charge.

"Obviously I've spoke to him and listened to his advice,'' he said. "Glenn has previously managed at the top level with West Ham, so he has a lot of experience and knowledge.

"He's done really well at Newcastle in the last few weeks with the first team.

"They seem to be happy in their ways and there has been some good results and performances. The players have responded to him in the right manner.''

Stephenson played under Roeder at Gillingham in the mid-90s. He moved to the Priestfield Stadium on loan from Millwall and helped the club move away from the threat of relegation.

And Roeder added: "I think Paul would be disappointed if I spoke about what we talked about but whether at this stage of his career he needs to be with senior players I don't know.

"But the bottom line is that Paul Stephenson is a very promising young coach that I believe Hartlepool will do well to keep in the next season or two.

"I think bigger clubs will come and take him away and don't be surprised which club it is.''

A pitch inspection is planned for 10am this morning. The Glanford Park pitch has been covered overnight, but after heavy frost in the last two nights, the club has asked referee Darren Drysdale to inspect early.

Read more about Hartlepool here.