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Hartlepool name caretaker, 76 year old ex-Charlton, M’boro, Bradford, Luton, Grimsby, Cardiff boss

Hartlepool name their caretaker manager in 76 year old ex-Charlton, M’boro, Bradford, Luton, Grimsby, Cardiff boss Lennie Lawrence.

Lennie will be in charge ahead of Saturday’s home fixture against Oxford City and is to have first-team coach Antony Sweeney acting as his assistant for the time being.

In 2022, Hartlepool made Lennie Non-Executive Director, joining the board in an advisory role on footballing matters.

He steps up after Pools got rid of John Askey after they went a 6th National League game without a win.

Askey was appointed back in February, but his side won just three times in their last 19 league games, leaving them sitting 17th after defeat at Oldham Athletic.

He came in to replace Keith Curle as manager but couldn’t prevent the club in going down from League Two in May.

Askey’s assistant Mark Goodlad now also leaves the club.

“This decision wasn’t an easy one to make, but we feel it’s necessary following our recent downturn in form,” chairman Raj Singh said via the club website.

“We thank John and Mark for their efforts during their time at Hartlepool, and wish them the best of luck for their future endeavours.”

CLUB STATEMENT:

Lennie Lawrence has been named as caretaker manager ahead of Saturday’s home fixture against Oxford City.

The former Charlton, Middlesbrough and Luton boss will be assisted by first-team coach Antony Sweeney.

Lennie has attended the majority of games both last season and this season in his existing role for the Club, as such he knows the current playing squad and staff well.

Antony will continue to be out on the grass for training this week, ensuring the correct preparations for the match against Oxford City are made.

The search for a new permanent manager is well underway and we hope to appoint someone in the near future.

This is how fans reacted as Hartlepool name their caretaker manager in 76 year old ex-Charlton, M’boro, Bradford, Luton, Grimsby, Cardiff boss Lennie Lawrence…

@wearelutontown: Thoughts are with you at this time.

@benlee987: Wonderful write up, really get to know who Lennie is, his experience and his pre-existing connection to the club. Also love the update on the potential longer term plan and whether we’re looking for a permanent manager. Just love how the club is keeping fans in the loop lately.

@NickMcNaughton: 76yr old who hasnt managed a team for nearly 19 years, Raj paying him care home spaces to save cash ?

@AllanDoxford: Jesus Christ has he got someone out of his care home up bishop Cuthbert?

@MattyGrocott_: Get behind him is all I can say. The lack of information is frustrating but Lennie is now responsible for trying to win us games of football whether people like it or not. I’m not overly enthusiastic but until something proper is done, I suppose we just have to support the lads.

@wiches93: Sack JA and hire a bloke who has been out of the game this long? The whole backroom staff needs a clear out, things must change.

@welterw888: A short term appointment which is hopefully a sign of the short time Singh has left here.

@Poolieboy1Les1: Good luck Lennie on taking on an impossible job. Just give it your best shot with the players we have as there won’t be any new signings coming in during the transfer window.

@SGC501: I’ve seen some batshit crazy things in my 25 years watching Pools but this is off it

@AndyMcCormack14: I’d forgotten Lennie was on the Pools ‘payroll’ tbh. What has he actually been doing? I’m assuming Sweens was offered the caretaker job first and refused.

@Davidjrj123: Jesus Christ that’s baffling. Bloke hasn’t managed in over 10 years is eligible for a free bus pass. Was there seriously nobody else available or has raj burned every bridge in football management? I can only see that he actively wants us to be relegated at this point.

@pooliemadone84: We are doomed 👋 national league north

@JackgHUFC: joke this club is

@phil73415236: He’s about 100 years old!

@Pools1908: April isn’t for a few months lads 👍

@miller_jonny: Give him a three year deal Raj, stop being greedy

@lukeyoung2408_: If we’re being honest it’s a short term appointment which hopefully shows how little time Raj has left and new owners can appoint their own manager

@JackCBCx: Shocking, nothing from the club for well over 3 days. Didn’t even wish the fans who spend there hard earned cash a happy new year. Takes 30 seconds to do that. Clubs an absolute state.

@anthonystevenh7: This is time clubs strengthen there squads etc here we are no manager free falling down the league , heartless players who can’t even just try and a owner who is a joke and now we’ve drafted in a pensioner in vital games. Be lucky if there 3.5k there Saturday ppl are done now

@Dope007: Wow. And we thought Unsworth was bad, this appointment is mental even as an interim #OAFC

@AndyClarke5: Raj choosing the cheapest option 🤣

@adam_stead9: I fucking hate Raj more and more every day

@miller8_sam: Not managed in over 10 years, football’s a different game to what owld Lennie can remember

@adampinder0711: Goes from bad to worse Raj Out

@dredge5316: Looks old enough to be roy hodgson dad

@andygib263: This appointment is amazing. In Raj they trust 🙃🤣

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