New Hartlepool United boss Lee Clark ready for the ‘challenge ahead’ in the National League

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Hartlepool United have appointed experienced manager Lee Clark as the National League club look to rebuild ahead of next season.

The 53-year-old arrives at Victoria Park following a wide-ranging review of the club’s football operations.

Former Pools captain Gary Liddle will remain part of the coaching set-up, while the club have appointed ex-Carlisle United manager Chris Beech as head of recruitment.

Clark returned to frontline management in England with Rotherham United in March after coaching and managerial roles overseas.

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Revive fortunes

He joined the Millers on a deal until the end of the season but could not prevent relegation and later failed to agree terms on a new contract.

The 53-year-old boasts a wealth of experience from spells in charge of Huddersfield Town, Birmingham City, Blackpool, Bury and Blyth Spartans, while he also enjoyed a distinguished playing career with Newcastle United, Sunderland and Fulham.

His most successful period came at Huddersfield, where he led the Terriers to three successive League One play-off campaigns and oversaw a English Football League record 43-match unbeaten run.

Hartlepool are hoping Clark can now help revive fortunes at a club still searching for stability since relegation from the EFL in 2023.

Resonsibility

Clark said: “I’m incredibly proud to be given the opportunity to lead this football club.

“Hartlepool United is a club with a strong identity, passionate supporters and a real connection with its town.

“From my conversations with Chris Maxwell 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.

“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.

“Gary’s experience and understanding of the football club will be really important moving forward, while Chris Beech will play an important role in supporting the wider football strategy around the first team.

“I understand the responsibility that comes with this role and I’m looking forward to the challenge ahead.”

Stronger platform

Liddle, who made 364 appearances across three spells with Pools, stepped into a first-team coaching role earlier this year after working within the club’s academy.

Beech, meanwhile, will oversee recruitment and squad planning as Hartlepool reshape behind the scenes.

Owner and chairman Landon Smith believes the new structure gives the club a stronger platform moving forward.

He said: “This is a crucial set of appointments for the club and the result of an extensive piece of work that has been going on behind the scenes by Bromby & Partners.

“Leigh, Stuart and Chris from Bromby & Partners have led a full professional review of the football department and the subsequent processes culminating in these appointments.

“I’m delighted to now formally welcome Lee Clark, Chris Beech and Gary Liddle into their roles as we embark on this exciting new chapter.”

Full backing

Smith added: “Lee Clark has extensive managerial and coaching experience at high levels in both English and Scottish football, together with a former playing background in the Premier League and a fundamental understanding of what football in the North East represents.

“Lee’s appointment, alongside Chris Beech and Gary Liddle, was identified as a critical balance of skill sets to help take the club forward, with a further significant coaching appointment to be confirmed in due course.

“Bromby & Partners have already completed an extensive piece of preparatory work around playing philosophy and player recruitment, and with these appointments now confirmed, I’m looking forward to the next phase as we shape and build the squad ahead of the new season.

“The football department and summer recruitment task have my full backing.”

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