Former Blackpool manager Simon Grayson has returned to the English game by taking on the vacant position at National League outfit Hartlepool United.
The 55-year-old had two stints in the hotseat at Bloomfield Road, the first of which was his first senior job in management. He replaced Colin Hendry on an interim basis in 2005, eventually calling time on his playing career to take the role on a full time basis.
He enjoyed success at the Tangerines, earning promotion to the Championship in 2007. After avoiding relegation in the second tier, he was snatched up by Leeds United in December 2008, where he eventually achieved a second League One success after finishing second in the 2009/10 season.
Two more third tier promotions followed, first with Huddersfield Town then Preston North End. In 2019, Grayson arrived back at Blackpool via short stints at Sunderland and Bradford City, but his second tenure proved a failure and he left the club after just seven months.
Recently, the ex-Leicester City defender has been managing abroad in India and Nepal but he has now returned for his first role in England since Leaving Fleetwood Town in 2021.
Hartlepool Offer Grayson Chance To Reignite Career
Hartlepool suffered a disappointing campaign in the National League, finishing 11th and eight points off the play-off places. This saw them part company with head coach Anthony Limbrick yesterday, despite only taking over from Lennie Lawrence in February.
Almost immediately, the club announced the appointment of Grayson. Speaking to official club media, the new boss revealed his delight:
“I really happy to join Hartlepool United FC . 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.”
Writer’s View
Simon Grayson does have pedigree and comes with a wealth of experience. However, none of that has come in the National League and it has been four years since he managed in the English game. It’s certainly a big name to drop into the fifth tier but he has to contend with other proven managers in the division, such as Carlisle United’s Mark Hughes and Forest Green Rovers’ Steve Cotterill. There’s no doubt this is a risky move and for a club that hasn’t held a long-term manager since Dave Challinor left in 2021, it’ll be interesting to see how this plays out.
