Former Hartlepool United manager Simon Grayson has spoken publicly for the first time since his dismissal, admitting his pride was damaged but insisting he remains proud of his work at Victoria Park.
The one-time Sunderland boss was dismissed after just 15 games in charge, recording 4 wins, 7draws and 4 defeats in the National League. His brief tenure made him the 9th permanent boss to leave Hartlepool United since the departure of promotion-winning manager Dave Challinor in 2021, with 8 of those exits resulting from sackings.
“My pride was hurt, but I’m not bitter”
Speaking exclusively to BBC Tees Sport, the 54-year-old reflected on his frustration at not being given more time to turn things around. Having made 14 new signings in the summer and overhauled the squad, Grayson felt the team was beginning to show progress before the decision was made.
“It was frustrating and disappointing when you lose your job,” Grayson said. “Raj chased me for a long time in the summer and I felt confident we could move the club forward.
“Unfortunately, what you don’t get in football these days is time — not just at Hartlepool but in general. My pride was hurt because I felt I could still achieve something.
“We were only 4 points off the play-offs, not in the bottom half or losing every week.”
Support from fans and lessons learned
Despite the abrupt end to his spell, Grayson was quick to praise the Pools supporters, saying they continued to back him even as results stalled. He also rejected any suggestion that he was under severe pressure before his final game, a disappointing FA Cup qualifying draw with Gainsborough Trinity.
“I didn’t feel the fans turned on me,” he said. “They were great, even when I left. I got messages saying people were disappointed to see me go. The crowd doesn’t make the decision — that’s up to the owners.
“I look back and reflect on what could have been better, but I don’t have regrets. I gave everything and worked as hard at Hartlepool as I did at Leeds or Sunderland. It’s part and parcel of football.”
Grayson also spoke about the learning curve of managing in non-league football. “It was a new challenge. I was still learning about the division, the players, and the opposition every week,” he said. “Even after a good start, I was adapting and taking things from every game.”
Moving on from Pools
Grayson began his managerial career at Blackpool, guiding them to Championship promotion in 2007 before joining boyhood club Leeds United, where he famously oversaw victory at Old Trafford and secured promotion in 2010.
After spells at Huddersfield and Preston, earning another promotion, he took charge of Sunderland in 2017. His short tenure saw the Black Cats struggle in the Championship, and he was dismissed after just 4 months. Grayson later managed abroad and most recently led Hartlepool United.
He ended on a reflective note: “You lose your job, but it’s not the end of the world. Worse things happen in life. You learn, you move on, and you stay ready for the next challenge.”
