Hartlepool United have sacked manager Simon Grayson after just 4 months in charge.
The National League side confirmed the decision following a run of 1 win in 11 matches, with Saturday’s FA Cup 4th Qualifying Round draw against Gainsborough Trinity proving to be his final game at the helm.
Grayson Departs After Disappointing Run
Grayson, 55, was appointed in June as successor to Anthony Limbrick and oversaw a complete overhaul of the Pools squad during the summer, bringing in 14 new signings. The early signs were promising, with Hartlepool collecting 10 points from their first 4 league games. However, form soon declined, and the side now sit 12th in the National League table after 14 fixtures.
In total, Grayson managed 15 games across all competitions, winning 4, drawing 7 and losing 4. His tenure makes him the ninth permanent manager to leave the club since the departure of Dave Challinor in November 2021, a period marked by frequent managerial turnover. Of the last 5 appointments, none has lasted longer than 17 matches.
Injuries to key players, including Jay Benn, Reiss McNally and Alex Reid compounded a difficult spell, while the departures of Mani Dieseruvwe and Joe Grey earlier in the year further disrupted the side’s attacking options.
Club Statement
Hartlepool released an official statement confirming Grayson’s departure on Sunday afternoon, acknowledging the team’s failure to meet expectations.
“Following discussions yesterday evening and a board meeting this morning, it became clear that expectations with performances and results have not been met.
“Obtaining 1 win in the last 11 games falls short of the required standard; therefore, the board of directors have collectively made the extremely difficult decision to relieve Simon of his duties.”
The statement added that Grayson leaves with the board’s best wishes for the future and gratitude for his efforts during a challenging period.
Featherstone Takes Interim Charge
Player-coach Nicky Featherstone will take charge of the team for an interim period, supported by Elliott Dickman and Adam Smith. Dickman only joined the club’s coaching staff last week following the departure of assistant manager Neil McDonald, while Featherstone is expected to lead the side for Tuesday night’s FA Cup replay against Gainsborough Trinity at Victoria Park.
The upcoming fixture will give the temporary management team a chance to stabilise the squad and end the current 11-game stretch without victory. Despite their recent struggles, Pools remain within touching distance of the National League play-off places, and the board is expected to take time assessing longer-term options before appointing a permanent successor.
Writer’s View
This latest managerial change continues a pattern of short-term tenures at Victoria Park, with 8 managers dismissed since late 2021. Grayson’s departure underlines the instability that has plagued the club in recent years. While his tenure started brightly, the sharp decline in results made his position untenable.
For Hartlepool, finding stability and a long-term vision must now take priority, especially with the squad still capable of competing in the top half of the National League table.
