Hartlepool United are delighted to confirm the appointment of Darren Kelly as the club's new Sporting Director.
Originally from Derry, Northern Ireland, Kelly had a playing career at the likes of Carlisle, York and Scarborough. The former centre-back went on to have Managerial spells at Oldham, Halifax and Hyde both as Manager and a Director of Football before heading to South Wales as Sporting Director for Newport County in his most recent role.
The new role at Pools will bridge the gap between football department and the Board including overseeing and supporting the Club and Manager with football staff appointments, player scouting and recruitment, contract negotiations, loan club relations, medical and sport science, academy development and facility use.
Darren Kelly commented:
“It is a pleasure and an honour to be joining Hartlepool United and to help create a future that everyone can be proud off. I am very grateful to our Chairman and Club for giving me this great opportunity. My plan and vision is to help build a strong footballing strategy for the long-term future and success of Hartlepool United football club and this is something that really excites me.”
“I am really looking forward to getting started and looking forward to working closely with John Askey and the rest of the staff at Hartlepool United football club.”.
Chairman Raj Singh commented on the position:
“We have been building toward the appointment of a Sporting Director or Director of Football over recent years as we developed things. Whilst this season has been very tough and we are certainly not in the position that we wanted to be on-field, I felt it important to continue with progress and plans that we’ve made off-field.”
“Ultimately Darren’s role is to guide and support our football department to become better and he will oversee key areas including recruitment. He will also allow our manager and the coaching team to focus on the priority of coaching and developing the team.”
“Darren comes with an excellent network of contacts and will undoubtedly be a great come the summer and looking beyond.”