Hartlepool United are delighted to welcome Alex Cross to the Prestige Group Stadium as the Club’s new Academy Manager.

Alex joins from King’s Lynn Town, having spent three years with the National League North side as Academy Director. He recently progressed four players into the first-team, while growing and developing the Club’s Academy hosting around 450 players. He also spent time as their first-team’s interim manager.

Alongside his role at King’s Lynn, Alex has enjoyed the last 12 months as first-team manager at Soham Town Rangers.

The UEFA-licenced coach has previously held various roles within the youth set-ups at Cambridge United, Notts County, Boston United and Bradford Park Avenue.

He is also no stranger to the North East, having graduated from Northumbria University at the start of his coaching career.

“I’m delighted to be here,” he explained.

“I’m buzzing to be at a club like Hartlepool and I’m buzzing to be back in the North East – an area which I love, filled with people who are down-to-earth and caring.

“It’s something I’m really looking forward to and I can’t wait to sink my teeth into the role.”

Joe Monks, Head of Football Operations commented:
“We are delighted to bring Alex on board, his extensive experience in both Football League and National League academies align perfectly with our plans to maintain and develop a long-term sustainable programme for local talent and provide a pathway into our first-team.

“Alex and the team will work closely with Hartlepool College of Further Education, strengthening our partnership and taking our Academy to the next phase, building on the fantastic work Ian McGuckin has put in during his time at the Club.”

Alex will officially start at the Club from early December upon the departure of Ian McGuckin.