Ex-Blackpool, Leeds United and Huddersfield Town boss takes on new role at troubled side
Simon Grayson has returned to England - with the former Blackpool boss taking over at Hartlepool United following a number of years managing overseas.
Ex-Blackpool head coach Simon Grayson has been appointed as Hartlepool United’s new manager.
The 55-year-old returns to England after spending the last three years working abroad in India and Nepal respectively.
He makes the move to Victoria Park at a time where there have been recent problems for the North East outfit.
Last month, owner Raj Singh was criticised for his handling of the club’s sale and other internal matters - which prompted TV personality Jeff Stelling to resign from his role of president.
After finishing 11th in the National League last season, Hartlepool parted ways with previous boss Anthony Limbrick earlier this week, with the former New Saints Boss leaving after just four months in charge.
Grayson’s career so far
Grayson joins the Pools with a lengthy CV under his belt. During his playing career he represented the likes of Leicester City and Aston Villa, before joining Blackpool in 2002.
His time at Bloomfield Road presented him with his first coaching position, with the 55-year-old being handed the reins following the sacking of Colin Hendry.
While at the helm, he guided the Seasiders to promotion via the League One play-offs, after his side enjoyed a winning run towards the end of the 2006/07 campaign, before beating Yeovil Town 2-0 at Wembley.
Grayson repeated that feat with a number of clubs, guiding Leeds United, Huddersfield Town and Preston North End to the second tier as well in the years after his Blackpool exit.
Following stints with Sunderland and Bradford City, he returned to the Fylde Coast in 2019, 11 years on from leaving the club to take over at Elland Road.
Unfortunately, he was unable to replicate the success of his first spell, and was sacked seven months on from being appointed.
After take charge of Fleetwood Town for a brief period, Grayson headed to India in 2022 to take charge of Bengaluru FC, where he won the Durand Cup in his first season.
Earlier this year he had a spell in Nepal with Lalitpur City, but is now back in English football.
Hartlepool reaction to appointing Grayson
Reflecting on the appointment of Grayson, Hartlepool chairman Raj Singh told the club’s in-house media: “I’m delighted that Simon has accepted the role.
“Simon is someone who has been on our radar for a while and he’s been my preferred candidate in the past when we’ve looked for managers, but for one reason or the other it didn’t come off.
“He comes with vast experience including promotions in EFL. The board unanimously decided to go for Simon and it’s great that we’ve been able to secure him for an initial two year period.
“We’re all looking forward to the working with him. That work starts immediately as we look to build a squad that pushes for promotion next season.”
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