AFTER carrying out a month long appointment process, Hartlepool United Chairman Raj Singh has expressed his delight at getting his man after the appointment of Paul Hartley as manager.

The 45-year-old put pen-to-paper on a two-year deal at the Suit Direct Stadium after Pools agreed compensation with Scottish side Cove Rangers. 

Hartley arrives to the League Two side having completed five promotions during his time in the dugout with Alloa Athletic, Dundee and Cove Rangers. He led them to the Scottish League One title last season losing just three league games all season. 

He also brings coach Gordon Young to the club who has previously worked as academy manager at Sheffield United along with being the Latvian national team's assistant manager. 

A number of candidates were vetted for the job but Hartley, who was initally ruled out for the role, was always high up on their list of choices.

“There’s been an extensive process with a lot of candidates which has taken time, but we are very pleased to have now secured the services of both Paul and Gordon" said Singh.

“We looked closely at what they have both achieved previously, how they work and their potential match with Hartlepool United.

“Paul has proven to be a winner throughout his career and he is clearly a very hard working and ambitious manager that has already had some remarkable managerial success. He is a manager and a coach and he has real clarity about how he and Gordon will take the job on. Gordon also comes with an excellent pedigree."

The list of other candidates included former Sunderland manager Jack Ross, ex Black Cats boss Simon Grayson, current Barrow manager Pete Wild and Gateshead boss Mike Williamson.

However, glowing reports from elsewhere led to the Pools Chairman to side with Hartley. 

“We spoke to numerous people privately about Paul from across the game and unanimously the opinion was to just go and get him" Singh continued.

“We have discussed recruitment and how we will support Paul to improve the squad with a significantly increased budget this season, building on the work that has gone on over the past few years.

“As a board we are really looking forward to working with Paul and Gordon and I am confident the supporters will be right behind this appointment. I’m excited about what they can achieve with the team in the coming seasons.”

Hartley, who is currently on holiday, is expected to return officially start the role in just over a weeks time where he will be tasked with spearheading a charge up the League Two table.