We take a look at the contenders to be the next manager of Hartlepool United following Lee Clark's resignation.
Clark arrived at Victoria Park in the summer but his brief reign at the club was a disappointing one.
The 3-1 home defeat to Worthing on Saturday afternoon proved to be the final game of Clark's tenure, with the 53-year-old resigning immediately after the match.
Clark departs after six defeats in the last seven matches, with the club currently 18th in the National League table.
Here are our top five contenders to be the next Hartlepool manager.
Next Hartlepool Manager Contenders
Matt Hamshaw
Matt Hamshaw is currently on the coaching staff at League One side Sheffield Wednesday.
He was sacked as Rotherham manager in March and the club were eventually relegated to League Two.
Hamshaw will be looking to establish himself as a manager and Hartlepool could provide the ideal setting.
Michael Appleton
Michael Appleton has been out of work since being relieved of his duties at Shrewsbury Town in January.
He departed with the club just two points above the League Two relegation zone after a poor run of form.
Appleton would provide a wealth of experience at Hartlepool and it feels unlikely that he would walk back into a role in the football league.
Pete Wild
Pete Wild's stock has fallen in recent times following spells at Fleetwood Town and Tranmere Rovers.
It was at Barrow where Wild made a name for himself as he guided the club to two top-ten finishes in League Two.
Missing out on the play-offs in 2024 was a bitter pill to swallow and Wild has failed to reach those standards since.
Antony Sweeney
Club legend Antony Sweeney is a currently a first-team coach at Stockport County.
He made over 400 appearances for the club during his playing career and is still held in high regard.
He's been the caretaker manager of the club in the past and he would find the permanent job difficult to turn down.
Gary Liddle
Gary Liddle is another popular figure at Victoria Park from his playing days.
He has been on the coaching staff at Hartlepool since February and a step up to being the manager feels like a possibility.
His only previous managerial experience was at Whitby Town but someone who knows the club well could be a shrewd approach.
