HARTLEPOOL United have been identifying candidates for their vacant managerial position with ex-Sunderland boss Simon Grayson and Gateshead manager Mike Williamson both in the frame.

The club were in the process of preparing to conduct interviews at the back end of last week with a view to speaking to them in person in the near future and it’s understood that both Grayson and Williamson are both being considered for the role.

Sources suggest that an unnamed manager in Scottish football is also being considered for the role.

Last week, the Pools Chairman Raj Singh was undecided about which type of manager he would go for when speaking to the media, whether it be an ‘up-and-coming boss’ with early success or an experienced manager who has been around the block or a combination of both. Grayson and Williamson tick both boxes and are expected to be vetted in the near future.

Read: How will Raj Singh pick the right manager to lead Hartlepool United?

Grayson has previous links in the North-East having had a short stint as manager of Sunderland in 2017 following their relegation from the Premier League. His last job in football was in charge of League One side Fleetwood Town before being sacked in November last year.

He's also had managerial stints with Leeds United, Preston North End and Bradford City but is currently out of work. Grayson has been to the Suit Direct Stadium on a number of occasions this season in a punditry capacity.

Williamson, an ex-Newcastle United defender, recently led Gateshead back to the National League as champions in his first job in the dugout. The 38-year-old also acted as player-manager and made five appearances in total this season.

Pools are looking for a successor to Graeme Lee who was relieved of his managerial duties earlier this month after just five months in charge at the club.