Hartlepool appoint Clark as head coach
Lee Clark won one of his nine games in charge of Rotherham
- Published
Former Birmingham City and Huddersfield Town manager Lee Clark has been appointed head coach at Hartlepool United.
Clark, who succeeds Nicky Featherstone at the National League side, left Rotherham United at the start of May following his two-month stay at the relegated League One club.
Clark, 53, made 442 league appearances in his playing career across spells with his hometown club Newcastle United, Sunderland and Fulham.
As well as managing the Terriers and Blues, he also led Blackpool, Kilmarnock and Bury and had spells in Sudan and Oman.
Clark told BBC Radio Tees that his goal was to lead Pools back into the EFL following their relegation to the fifth tier in 2023.
"We're all going to try our utmost to get this club back into the Football League, without putting any timescales on it, that's the goal," he said.
"I just felt this was an opportunity, even though I'm coming down a level, that I couldn't turn down because of what the outcome can be if we get it right.
"I want a team that epitomises what the north east is all about and that's pride, passion and desire, giving everything for that badge."
Even though he is a Newcastle fan, Wallsend-born Clark also grew up watching Hartlepool where his brother-in-law Paul Baker scored 93 goals for them in 279 games during two spells in 1987-92 and 1997-99.
"I used to love coming to watch them and I have an affinity with the club with my brother-in-law being here," he said.
"Me watching as a young lad, watching that great successful team he played in, and then I just kept coming with it being a local team."
Former Pools captain Gary Liddle will remain part of the first-team coaching staff, while Chris Beech has been appointed head of recruitment.
Football consultants Bromby & Partners were instrumental in the move and Hartlepool owner and chairman Landon Smith told the club website: "This is a crucial set of appointments for the club.
"Lee has extensive managerial and coaching experience at high levels in both English and Scottish football, together with a playing background in the Premier League and a fundamental understanding of what football in the north east represents."
