Former Newcastle United star Lee Clark is the new Hartlepool United boss.
The news revealed on Thursday (14 May 2026) morning.
The National League club stating: “Hartlepool United is pleased to confirm the appointment of Lee Clark as the Club’s new First Team Head Coach.,,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.”
Lee Clark was of course one of Kevin Keegan’s entertainers of the 1990s.
Most recently, the former United star spent the later stages of the 2025/26 season as Rotherham United manager. With the club already all but doomed to relegation, a thankless job for Lee Clark when he took over on 18 March 2026.
Rotherham ended up relegated to League Two and the one-time NUFC player messed around as he waited to see whether he was to be given the chance to be in charge for the 2026/27 season after his short-term appointment last (2025/26) season.
The official Hartlepool United release going on to say: “Lee 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.”
As for the new appointment.
Lee Clark having this to say: “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. 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…I understand the responsibility that comes with this role and I’m looking forward to the challenge ahead.”
Hartlepool United finished ninth in the 2025/26 season in the National League.
Best of luck to Lee Clark and his new club on pushing for promotion (alongside Gateshead) next season.