Hartlepool United is pleased to confirm the appointment of Lee Clark as the Club’s new First Team Head Coach.

Former Pools captain Gary Liddle will remain part of the First Team coaching staff, while Chris Beech has been appointed Head of Recruitment. An additional assisting First Team coach will be announced in due course following the conclusion of current season commitments.

The appointments follow an extensive review of the Club’s football operations carried out by Bromby & Partners, who were appointed in March to support the development and transition of the football structure ahead of the 2026/27 season.

A highly experienced manager and former Premier League midfielder, Clark joins Hartlepool United with more than 15 years of managerial and coaching experience across the English Football League, Scottish Premiership, Middle East and Africa.

Clark made more than 500 senior appearances during a distinguished playing career with Newcastle United, Sunderland and Fulham across the Premier League and Championship, and captained Fulham during his time at Craven Cottage.

A UEFA Pro Licence holder, the Wallsend-born manager has previously led Huddersfield Town, Birmingham City, Blackpool and Kilmarnock, earning a reputation for high standards and strong leadership throughout his managerial career.

During his time at Huddersfield Town, Clark guided the Club to consecutive League One play-off campaigns and a Football League record 43-match unbeaten run.

Most recently, Clark returned to English football with Rotherham United following managerial spells overseas with Al-Merrikh and Al-Ittihad.

Lee Clark, First Team Head Coach at Hartlepool United 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.”

Former Pools captain Gary Liddle will continue as part of the Club’s First Team coaching staff following his appointment as First Team Coach in February 2026.

One of the most respected figures of the modern era at Hartlepool United, Liddle made 364 appearances across three spells with the Club and played a key role in Pools’ promotion back to the Football League in 2021.

Since moving into senior coaching, Liddle has also been working with the Hartlepool United Academy, where he served as Lead Professional Development Phase Coach. He brings strong leadership, coaching experience and a deep understanding of the Football Club.

Chris Beech will lead the Club’s recruitment strategy, working closely with Clark, Bromby & Partners and the wider football department on player identification, squad planning and long-term development.

Beech brings extensive experience across the English Football League and National League, having previously managed Carlisle United before later serving as Director of Football at AFC Fylde, where he played a key role in the Club’s promotion to the National League.

Chris Maxwell, Head of Football Operations at Bromby & Partners said: “Our role was to support the Club through a full review of football operations and the recruitment processes that followed.

“Throughout that process, Lee Clark consistently impressed with his preparation, his attention to detail and his understanding of both the demands of the role and the environment at Pools.

“What stood out most was the clarity of his vision, the demands he places on players and staff and the way he wants his teams to represent the Football Club.

“Alongside his extensive managerial experience, he demonstrated a real hunger to build the culture and mentality needed to create a competitive environment at the Club.

“There was strong interest in Lee and it was important the Club moved decisively to secure a coach with his experience, leadership and belief in what Pools is trying to build. We believe this is an exciting appointment and one that fits the direction the Club wants to take. 

“It was also important that the Club built the right support structure around him. Gary Liddle brings strong knowledge of both the Club and the level, while Chris Beech adds significant experience across recruitment and football operations at this level and above. An additional coach will also join the First Team staff and will be announced in due course.

“Collectively, we believe these appointments provide Pools with a strong football structure heading into the new season.”