Former Blackpool and Preston North End boss shares reasoning over taking first job in England in four years

Former Blackpool boss Simon Grayson states he is excited by the potential of Hartlepool United after taking over at Victoria Park.

The move sees the 55-year-old return to English football after three years away, having worked in both India and Nepal in recent seasons.

Grayson’s last role on home soil came with Fleetwood Town in 2021, while this will also be the first time he’s coached outside of the EFL in England.

“I am really happy to join Hartlepool United,” he told the Pool’s in-house media.

“The club has gone through some tough times recently but by working hard together as a staff and fanbase we can bring back the good times which this football club deserves.

“Hartlepool is a club with real potential and I’m excited by the prospect of what we can achieve here. I can’t wait to get started.”

Grayson replaces Anthony Limbrick at Victoria Park, with the ex-New Saints boss being sacked earlier this week after just four months in charge - during which time he guided the North East outfit to an 11th place finish in the National League.

Current problems for Hartlepool have stemmed beyond performances on the pitch. 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.

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.

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