Hartlepool United have appointed former Celtic, Aberdeen and Hearts midfielder Paul Hartley as their new manager, after agreeing compensation with Cove Rangers.
Hartley, who also has managerial experience at Dundee and Falkirk, is on a two-year contract at Hartlepool, with the club holding the option of a further two.
The former midfielder, who was brought up in Hamilton but also lived in East Kilbride, steered Cove to the League One title last season, losing just three games, and brings assistant Gordon Young with him from the Balmoral Stadium club.
It’s understood that Hartlepool offered 45-year-old Hartley the job a week ago, and were turned down, but improved their offer.
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Hartley succeeds Graeme Lee, who was sacked before the end of last season after five months in charge. The club were forced to recruit a new boss in Lee after Stockport came in for Dave Challinor mid-season.
He said: “This is an opportunity me and Gordon couldn’t turn down.
“The club has truly incredible support from its fans and there is so much potential for this club to kick on.”
As a manager, Hartley has been promoted five times, including spells at both Alloa and Dundee, and played for clubs such as Hamilton Accies, Millwall, Hearts and Hibs, Celtic and Aberdeen.
Hartlepool chairman Raj Singh said: “Paul has proven to be a winner throughout his career and he is clearly a very hard working and ambitious manager that has already had some remarkable managerial success.
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“We spoke to numerous people privately about Paul from across the game and unanimously the opinion was to just go and get him.”
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