Hartlepool United can confirm Academy Manager, Ian McGuckin, will depart the Club at the end of the month to take on a new role in Middlesbrough’s youth set-up.

Ian, who made 186 appearances at Pools during his playing career, has spent a total of 17 years at the Prestige Group Stadium in playing and various coaching capacities.

Over the last decade, Ian has played an integral role in Pools’ Academy system, with a number of players going on to earn professional contracts in the game.

Ian also led the Club’s U18s to a historic FA Youth Cup run in 2017, where Pools memorably hosted Liverpool in the third round.

Ian is now in a transitional period as he’s set to join Middlesbrough, who possess a category 1 Academy, at the start of December.

The Hartlepool United Board commented:
“We would like to thank Ian for his incredible service over the 17 years that he has been a part of Hartlepool United. Ian has shown his professionalism and passion throughout every role he’s undertaken. It’s been fantastic to see Ian’s development as a coach and he thoroughly deserves this new opportunity. We wish him the best of luck.”

Ian McGuckin stated:
“Firstly, I’d like to thank everyone connected to the Club for the last 17 years. I’m really proud of what I’ve achieved personally, both playing and coaching. It’s been a long journey and one I can look back on with a great amount of pride.

“We’ve developed a large amount of young players, and that’s something I take the most pride in. A number of lads have gone and signed professional contracts, which is excellent to see.

“The players and staff have made this place a fantastic working environment over the years, and the supporters have always been excellent. I wish the Club every success in future and hopefully we can soon return to the Football League, where the Club rightfully belongs.”

The Club’s new Academy Manager has been appointed and will be announced in due course.