Fans have been left divided as Hartlepool United sack Anthony Limbrick after four months and replace him with Simon Grayson.
Pools waved goodbye to Anthony Limbrick after four months in charge, having guided the club to an 11th place finish in the National League.
Earlier this week it was reported that Hartlepool had an approach for Boston boss Graham Coughlan turned down.
But in a surprise no one saw coming, they have since confirmed the appointment of experienced Simon Grayson, who hasn’t managed in England in four years, nor has he got experience of doing so in the National League.
He comes into the club, facing the concerning situation behind the scenes at Hartlepool, making it already a tough job.
Hartlepool are up for sale after owner Raj Singh resigned as chairman in March.
No team and now no manager. All the Board were consulted ??? So that’s Raj’s No2, Some bloke from Gateshead who knows nothing about us and John Pearson. Who in their right mind is going to take this job. Feel for AL – a really good man .
— Jeff Stelling (@JeffStelling) June 12, 2025
Hartlepool United are delighted to announce the appointment of Simon Grayson as the Club’s new First Team Manager with immediate effect.
— Hartlepool United FC (@Official_HUFC) June 12, 2025
Actually it’s no team, no manager and no shame
— Jeff Stelling (@JeffStelling) June 12, 2025
He is a lovely man but not managed in England for four years and never at this level. All you can do is wish him well and hope that he realises what he is stepping into.
— Jeff Stelling (@JeffStelling) June 12, 2025
The club issued a statement: “Hartlepool United has today parted company with Head Coach Anthony Limbrick.
“We’d like to thank Anthony for all his hard work and efforts from during his time with the Club and wish him all the very best for the future.
“All Board members were consulted and it was decided that a change was needed.
“Further updates including 2025/26 season planning will be provided in due course.”
They added an hour and a half later: “Hartlepool United are delighted to announce the appointment of Simon Grayson as the Club’s new First Team Manager with immediate effect.
“The former Premier League player comes with an impressive record in management including no less than four EFL promotions with Preston North End, Huddersfield Town, Leeds United and Blackpool FC.
“More recently, Simon has experienced management roles in both the Nepal and Indian Super Leagues, providing him with a total of 775 games in management and a 41% win ratio.
“A further update on backroom staff, who will support Simon, will be announced in due course.”
Club Chairman, Raj Singh commented: “I’m delighted that Simon has accepted the role. Simon is someone who has been on our radar for a while and he’s been my preferred candidate in the past when we’ve looked for managers, but for one reason or the other it didn’t come off. He comes with vast experience including promotions in EFL. The Board unanimously decided to go for Simon and it’s great that we’ve been able to secure him for an initial 2 year period. We’re all looking forward to the working with him. That work starts immediately as we look to build a squad that pushes for promotion next season.”
Upon Joining Pools, Simon Grayson commented: “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.”
As mentioned, fans have been left divided as Hartlepool sack Anthony Limbrick and replace him with Simon Grayson…
@tomhwilliams23: Simon Grayson to Hartlepool then. Firstly, I have immense respect for anyone that goes abroad and tests themselves. New environment, new culture. Learning experience. That being said, not managed in non league; ever. Big name appointment; but a very tough job for his return
@footydevotion: Club has zero strategy or long term plan, we struck lucky with DC (right place/right time), the complete disregard for its employees and customers is a joke. Waiting until mid June to make this change is a new level of incompetence even for Pools. Cycle begins again. An absolutely horrific appointment, a washed up old EFL boss with no knowledge of the NL. Anybody with half a brain would have went for Millington or Elliott and backed them to the hilt. Not us though. Had enough of this club, done with it until Raj and the circus has gone.
@Hart1908: Welcome to Hartlepool United Simon! wishing you all the very best… Strap in & Never Say Die! 💙🤍🐒
@BriLeeStokle: Best of luck Simon. Hopefully Mr Singh backs you to the hilt! A good start will go a long way in repairing the tensions between us suffering fans and the club.
@Michaelallen_99: Nice to tie him down on a 2 year contract, means we will have plenty of time to make up our mind on whether to sack him in October or not
@paulkeay: I hope Herd International come out and tell the truth about the crook that is Raj Singh. Tell us why it’s impossible for anybody to take over and why ultimately our club dies. Fuck Raj Singh, appointment is an absolute joke and Singh’s board of puppets are an even bigger joke.
@Up_TheChickens: He moaned about our facilities, he’s going to be in for a shock in the NL #bcafc
@runningtrackgfc: I feel bad for Limbrick who clearly hasn’t been shown the respect he deserved, but then again neither was Kevin Phillips when he left. Grayson’s wanted a role closer to home for a little while and has been very picky in doing so. I honestly think he could stabilise the club.
@CallumHallett6: Another owner is being allowed to ruin a football club. I hate it. #HUFC is a passionate club + it’s being destroyed by someone who should be nowhere near it. This is obviously a shocking appointment but they couldn’t do any better. SEL UP.
@ItsJustTheMess1: Looking Forward to the Relegation Battle @Official_HUFC 🤝
@ratcliff_jake: For a club in crisis, that is an absolutely sensational appointment. Can’t wait to see what he does
@JWheelhouse_01: All I ask for is one normal day at Hartlepool United 🤣 Head is on mars man 🤯
@anthonystevenh7: Yikes a mean no bad feelings to Grayson but just nothing positive at all at this club anymore , good luck to him . Raj isn’t getting a penny off me till he fucks right off
@ellishall_12: Screams failure to me. Rob Elliott and Chris Millington both out of work who have a proven track record at this level and aren’t just some washed up manager who’s been working in India and Nepal. 2 year contract as well 😂 #HUFC
The difference between X and Facebook is brilliant🤣🤣 https://t.co/KYXJ50PwoL pic.twitter.com/7Bv7hVktrj
— Joel (@langljoel37) June 12, 2025
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