By Albatross
June 2 2003

A lot of names have been bandied about as potential managers for Hartlepool United. Pools Online takes a brief look at some of the people who may be in the frame.

Rumours, rumours everywhere but not an official word from the club. There's due to be another statement from the club today which will hopefully tell us more, even if it's only to confirm the situation with Kevin Sheedy, but in the meantime more and more names are being mentioned as possible managers. So what do the different candidates have going for them?

Nigel Clough

His Dad started his career in Management at Pools, and he seems to have been linked to almost every job in the lower divisions recently. After guiding Burton Albion to the Conference via the Unibond League, they finished 16th this season, three points above the relegation zone. Whether Clough is interested probably depends on how far he feels he can take Burton; if the will is there to challenge for promotion he may want to stay.

Pros: Intelligent, plenty of contacts, generally regarded as a good prospect in the world of management

Cons: May want to stay at Burton, we'd have to pay compensation, untried in League Management

Steve Cotterill

After his disasterous spell at Sunderland, Cotterill may well be looking for an opportunity to rebuild his reputation - and will probably have to drop down the divisions to get it. Often bracketed with CT in terms of "up and coming managers", he was full of praise for Pools after Cheltenham beat us in the Playoff Semi a year ago. He does though have a bit of a reputation for playing long ball football - though this may be as much down to limited resources as anything else - and his loyalty has to be questioned after leaving Stoke after such a short length of time.

Pros: Well regarded, did a great job at Cheltenham

Cons: May be off as soon as there's a sniff of a better job, long ball tactics not pretty

Steve Parkin

Parkin is already being tipped to be joining Notts County as assistant, but may be intested in taking over at Pools. His reputation was largely gained at Rochdale, where he moulded a side that played attractive football and were consistent playoff challengers. The general feeling is that he was very unlucky to be sacked from Barnsley, where he had very little time or money to change things before the administrators got rid of him.

Pros: Knows the lower divisions well, likes his teams to play football, can operate on a budget

Cons: May already have a job lined up

Bruce Rioch

Rioch has been out of work for more than two years after leaving Wigan, but is still a name that commands respect. Although possibly best known as the man who took Middlesbrough to Division 1 (as it was then), he has almost 20 years experience, many of them in the lower divisions, and has a reputation for having his teams playing some decent passing football.

Pros: Reputation, plenty of contacts and respect in the game

Cons: Might want a big wage

Gordon Watson

What can you say about Flash that hasn't already been said? There's no doubt he'd be popular with the majority of fans, but there will also be a few concerns about his lack of experience. His best hope would be to be paired with an experienced manager.

Pros: Popular with fans, likely to demand plenty from the players

Cons: Lack of experience if appointed in sole charge.

Kevin Sheedy

From the quotes in the press, even he doesn't know what's going on. In terms of coaching badges, he's got the lot; but he may be uncomfortable taking over from the man who bought him to the club just six months ago.

Pros: Knows the squad, coaching badges a-plenty

Cons: Might not want to stay, do we want continuity from Newell anyway?

Tommy Coyne/Rob McKinnon

Currently the Management team at Bellshill, a Glasgow Junior (ie semi-pro) club, they have had some success there and McKinnon of course is a Pools Legend. Then again, it's a big step up to Div2 from a league where players are more than likely no better than in the Northern League. This may have come a bit too soon for them.

Pros: McKinnon knows all about Pools, have had success as a team

Cons: Lack of experience at this level