Hartlepool appoint Clark as head coach

New Hartlepool boss Lee Clark [Shutterstock]

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 the month after failing to agree terms to extend his two-month stay at the relegated League One club.

Clark, 53, made more than 500 senior appearances in the Premier League with his hometown club Newcastle United, Sunderland and Fulham.

As well as managing Huddersfield and Birmingham, he also coached Blackpool, Kilmarnock and Bury and had spells in Scotland, Sudan and Oman.

Clark told the Hartlepool website: "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.

"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."

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 said: "This is a crucial set of appointments for the club.