HARTLEPOOL UNITED have appointed former Newcastle United and Sunderland midfielder Lee Clark as their new head coach after his brief spell with Rotherham United came to an end.
Former Pools captain Gary Liddle will remain part of the first-team coaching staff, while Chris Beech has been appointed as head of recruitment. An additional assisting first-team coach will be announced once the current season is finished.
Former Middlesbrough and Sunderland midfielder Lee Cattermole was touted as a strong favourite to be appointed at the Prestige Group Stadium last week, but the Pools hierarchy have instead turned to Clark.
The North-Easterner joins Hartlepool with more than 15 years of managerial and coaching experience across the EFL, Scottish Premiership, Middle East and Africa.
The 53-year-old made more than 500 senior appearances during a distinguished playing career with Newcastle, Sunderland and Fulham across the Premier League and Championship.
A UEFA Pro Licence holder, the Wallsend-born head coach has previously led Huddersfield Town, Birmingham City, Blackpool and Kilmarnock.
During his time at Huddersfield, he guided the West Yorkshire club to consecutive League One play-off campaigns and a Football League record 43-match unbeaten run.
Most recently, Clark returned to English football with Rotherham following managerial spells overseas with Al-Merrikh and Al-Ittihad.
"I’m incredibly proud to be given the opportunity to lead this football club," said Clark. "Hartlepool United is a club with a strong identity, passionate supporters and a real connection with its town.
"From my conversations with Chris Maxwell [head of football operations] and the chairman, it was clear there is a genuine determination throughout the club to build something supporters can believe in again and that ambition was a huge part of why I wanted to be involved.
“My focus now is on building a team that reflects the energy, honesty and work ethic that people in this town expect to see every week.
MORE SPORT:
Crucial 24 hours ahead for Middlesbrough and Southampton as picture evidence emerges
What's 'a bit difficult' for Enzo Le Fee - and his prediction for next season
“We want a team that competes with intensity, plays with purpose and understands the responsibility that comes with representing this football club. Standards are hugely important and we want players who demand the best from themselves and each other every day."
Pools finished the current campaign in ninth position in the National League table, 13 points adrift of the play-off places.
The club are embarking on a new era under the ownership of American Landon Smith, who completed his buyout of former owner Raj Singh last December.
Smith employed the services of Bromby & Partners to carry out an extensive review of the club's football operations, and that has culminated in the appointment of Clark.
"Our role was to support the club through a full review of football operations and the recruitment processes that followed," said Maxwell, who is Bromby & Partners' head of football operations. "Throughout that process, Lee Clark consistently impressed with his preparation, his attention to detail and his understanding of both the demands of the role and the environment at Pools.
"What stood out most was the clarity of his vision, the demands he places on players and staff and the way he wants his teams to represent the football club.
“Alongside his extensive managerial experience, he demonstrated a real hunger to build the culture and mentality needed to create a competitive environment at the club.
"There was strong interest in Lee and it was important the club moved decisively to secure a coach with his experience, leadership and belief in what Pools is trying to build. We believe this is an exciting appointment and one that fits the direction the club wants to take."
Beech will lead Pools' recruitment strategy, working closely with Clark, Bromby & Partners and the wider football department on player identification, squad planning and long-term development.
Beech brings extensive experience across the EFL and National League, having previously managed Carlisle United before later serving as director of football at AFC Fylde, where he played a key role in the club’s promotion to the National League.
Share