Fans react with Hartlepool United on the search for a new manager as Nicky Featherstone steps down after six months in charge.
The club sit 9th in the National League table, with 62 points from 43 games, unable to get in the playoffs, sitting 13 points behind.
Hartlepool have however held initial discussions with the 37-year-old to offer alternative roles and opportunities in support of his next steps and further development as a coach or manager.
The Club can confirm that Nicky Featherstone will step down from his role as First Team Manager at the conclusion of the 2025/26 season.
Read more below.#HUFC
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— Hartlepool United FC (@Official_HUFC) April 17, 2026
CLUB STATEMENT:
Hartlepool United can today confirm that Nicky Featherstone will step down from his role as First Team Manager at the conclusion of the 2025/26 season.
The decision has been taken following a comprehensive review of the Club’s football operations by Bromby & Partners, who were appointed in March to help shape the strategic direction and structure of the football department ahead of next season.
Featherstone initially stepped into the role in an interim capacity in October before being appointed permanent manager in December. He has led the team in 31 matches during a testing transition period following the change of ownership, with a highly respectable points tally during that time.
A long-serving former captain and widely regarded as a Club legend, Featherstone has made an outstanding contribution to Hartlepool United across more than a decade of service. He made over 450 appearances for the Club and was a central figure in the team that secured promotion back to the EFL in 2021.
Featherstone will remain in charge for the Club’s three remaining fixtures, starting with Saturday’s home match at the Prestige Group Stadium, followed by Southend United at home before the season concludes away to Boston United, bringing to a close a significant chapter in his long-standing association with Hartlepool United.
The Club has held initial discussions with Featherstone to offer alternative roles and opportunities in support of his next steps and further development as a coach or manager.
Landon Smith, Owner & Chairman of Hartlepool United, said: “Nicky has made a tremendous contribution to this football club over a long period of time. As a player, a captain and now as a manager, he has always represented Hartlepool United with professionalism, honesty and a deep sense of responsibility. He is a legend of this club and his connection with our supporters and the town is something that deserves huge respect.
“Nicky stepped into the role earlier this season at a time when the Club needed leadership and stability. We are grateful to him for his commitment and the contribution he has made during his time in charge.
“Following a thorough review of our football operations conducted by Bromby & Partners, we have taken the decision to move in a specific direction in terms of our first-team manager profile, and at this stage in Nicky’s career development, he does not fit that profile.
“The process with Bromby & Partners has provided a clear assessment and proposal of what is required to move forward, with the long-term aim of achieving promotion into the English Football League. With Nicky’s consent, we wanted to communicate that outcome to supporters at the earliest opportunity.
“This change is the next step in a number of developments across our football and operational structure, as we continue to strengthen on and off the pitch.
“It is important to be clear that this does not diminish Nicky’s contribution in any way. He will always be someone who is highly respected, and there are opportunities for Nicky to be part of the Club moving forward, if he feels that is the right step in supporting his development.
“We still have three important matches remaining this season and our focus is on finishing the campaign as strongly as possible. I know our supporters will get fully behind Nicky and the squad as we look to end the season on a high.”
Chris Maxwell, Head of Football Operations at Bromby & Partners said: “We have been working closely with the Club and the owner to carry out a detailed review of football operations, establishing a clear understanding of what is required to move forward and put in place the structures that will allow the Club to work towards achieving promotion into the English Football League.
“As part of that process, we have had constructive discussions with Nicky, who has conducted himself with professionalism throughout and made a significant contribution during his time in charge.
“The process to identify a replacement has now begun, and our role is to lead on the identification and assessment of candidates, drawing on our experience across the professional game.”
Nicky Featherstone, said: “It has been an honour to lead this football club. Hartlepool United means a huge amount to me and it always will.
“I’m proud of what we’ve done since I first stepped into the role and the way the group has responded. I’ve given everything to it.
“Of course, I’m disappointed, but I fully respect the decision that has been made and the direction the Club is looking to go in.
“I would like to thank the players, the staff and everyone behind the scenes for their commitment and support during my time in charge.
“Most importantly, I want to thank the supporters. I know how much this Club means to them and their support is something I’ve always valued, both as a player and as a manager.
“We still have three important games to play and my focus now is on preparing the team properly and finishing the season as strongly as possible.
“I’ve always said I would do whatever I can to help this football club and that remains the case. I look forward to continuing discussions about how I might contribute going forward.”
He said to BBC Tees, as reported by Hartlepool Mail, ahead of the game against Forest Green: “What I meant by that was there’s probably 95% of the group that are out of contract [this summer] and we’re not at a Championship level, were you’ve got thousands and thousands in the bank and you’re comfortable and then if you leave a Championship club, you either go to a Championship club or get a good contract elsewhere.
“At this level, you’re very much year to year, pay check to pay check and it just created a bit of uncertainty. That’s why there’s a lot of people that are uncertain on their futures, staff and players and that’s what it was. In terms of the club, there’s a process to go through. Landon is obviously new to football, so he’s learning. I spoke to him directly and we’ve brought in an outside company in Bromby and Partners to help with that.
“The processes are happening, but we’ve 10 days to go, that’s all it is, the uncertainty of people’s contracts. We haven’t got a lot of answers at the minute in terms of what we can do at the minute. That’ll change pretty soon, I think. Hopefully soon. That’s all I meant.
“There’s a lot of uncertainty in players’ contracts, staff’s contracts and that. It probably reflected on a few of the performances in recent weeks.
“Very rarely at this club or anyone at this level – other than your York’s and Carlisle’s – do you offer more than a year or two at a time. There’s a lot of uncertainty at this stage of the season. We’re probably slightly behind were we’d like to be as a football club in that sense in offering people contracts or whatever. That is what it is. We’ve had a change of ownership during a season and we’re still finding solutions to certain roles at the club. Like I said after the game, Landon will be brilliant for this club moving forward. He just needs to go through a few processes right now to make sure things are moving in the right direction.”
Fans react with Hartlepool United on the search for a new manager as Nicky Featherstone steps down…
@IsaacHUFC: Like I stated on a previous tweet, I would have liked to see Nicky given the summer to rebuild the squad but unfortunately wasn’t meant to be. Darrell Clarke or Rob Elliot would be top of my list. #hufc
@HufcxG: Sad it hasn’t worked out. Some flashes of huge promise and some to the contrary. Hopefully everyone can get behind him for the last few games and give him the (potential) send off he deserves 🐐
@JCoops190879: Thanks for Rochdale away and Carlisle at home
@BLewis2023: Right decision really. His management just wasn’t good enough
@Ryannx97: Understandable given results. Shows a sign of intent from the club. Glad we’re looking at ways to keep Feaths at the club within the back room staff and willing to assist in his development. It’s the least he deserves after the service he’s given us.
@JWheelhouse_01: I think this is best for all parties in my opinion… What I will say is, Nicky has been an unbelievably loyal servant to our club, when many wouldn’t have remained! I fully believe that he’s always wanted the best for Pools, and I hope we can keep him in some capacity.
@CalTalksNL: Have the results or style been great? No. No they haven’t. Unpopular but I’d have given him the summer personally. Give him a proper chance to build his own squad etc. but I can understand why this has been done. Curious to see who’s lined up. Big job ahead. #HUFC⚪️
@w_procter18: Right decision really is a club legend but just didn’t cut it as a manager
@tommy_white111: Sounds like Bromby & Partners want an experienced head to manage the club going forward. The most obvious candidate for me would be Darrell Clarke. With regards to NF, I hope he has a long, successful career in management away from the toxicity of HUFC’s fanbase.
@JayNich47098520: Absolute legend of the club and handled himself very professionally during a period of transition
@_tombaxter17: Go get Darrell Clarke.
@aghdidim: Good to see he has been offered alternative options to consider at the club and his loyalty to our club is second to none and wish him all the best in whatever role he decides to do next
@Michaelallen_99: If he doesn’t remain at the club in some capacity then I will cry and never get over it
@newpowerhh: Right call, Landon needs his own man and the decisions going forward are on him. Time to get pools on the move 😉
@_MattyMason_: Tried his best in management but not quite good enough. Hopefully finds a more suitable role for him to continue here.
@MatthewHan93365: Happy to see he has been offered alternative roles. He was thrown in at the deep end by Raj and definitely has potential to be a good manager. Hope he stays so he can learn from an experienced manager! Thank you Nicky!
@winno: A club legend and bows out the correct way with full respect from the club and supporters, cheers Nicky
@HUFC_UTP: Appreciate what he has done for us, right decision at present but hope he remains with us in some capacity
@adampinder0711: Correct decision and respect to Nicky for doing the right thing and stepping down. He may yet make a good manager in the future but we will wait and see. Now announce Darrell Clarke or Rob Elliot
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