Ex-Premier League star sacked by National League club who look for fifth manager in 12 months

Hartlepool United have sacked former Sunderland and Leeds boss Simon Grayson following a torrid run of results.

The 55-year-old, who made over 100 Premier League appearances as a player with Aston Villa and Leicester City, only took the job in June.

He enjoyed a positive start to life as Anthony Limbrick's successor, with Hartlepool taking 10 points from their first four league games.

However, a subsequent run of just one win in 11 games in all competitions spelt the end for his four-month tenure in charge.

Grayson sacked by Hartlepool

A club statement read: "Hartlepool United Football Club has today parted company with manager Simon Grayson.

"Following discussions yesterday evening and a board meeting this morning, it became clear that expectations with performances and results have not been met.

"Obtaining one win in the last 11 games falls short of the required standard; therefore, the board of directors have collectively made the extremely difficult decision to relieve Simon of his duties.

"The board wishes to thank Simon for his efforts and wish him the very best in his future endeavours.

"Nicky Featherstone, aided by Elliott Dickman and Adam Smith, will take control of the team for the interim period, starting with Tuesday night’s FA Cup Replay at home to Gainsborough Trinity."

Hartlepool won four, drew six and lost four of their 14 league matches under Grayson, who leaves the club in 12th in the National League.

Hartlepool were also the lowest scoring side inside the National League's top 15 clubs, having netted just 13 times this season.

Hartlepool look for fifth manager in a year

Grayson's sacking comes just a day after a 1-1 draw with seventh-tier Gainsborough Trinity in the fourth qualifying round of the FA Cup.

His most recent job before he arrived at Hartlepool was with Lalitpur City, where he won the Nepal Super League title in April.

The Englishman has managed seven clubs in his homeland, including Leeds and Preston, as well as Bengaluru in the Indian Super League.

His exit continues a managerial merry-go-round at Pools, who finished last season 11th, eight points outside the play-offs.

Interim manager Nicky Featherstone is the fifth boss at the club within a year, with Darren Sarll sparking a cull of gaffers last October.

Lennie Lawrence returned to the club for another brief spell, previously caretaker manager during the 2023/24 campaign.

In February, Lawrence stepped back from his role to allow his former coach, Limbrick, to take over as manager as permanent boss.

The latter left and was replaced by Grayson on the same day; four months later, ironically, the same length his successor reigned for.

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