Hartlepool United have confirmed Lee Clark as their new head coach, with Rotherham United set for a reset led by former England manager Steve McClaren.

Clark was given a short-term contract for the Millers' final nine games of the League One season.

And although he was unable to save the club from relegation, he made it clear he was interested in taking the job on a longer-term basis.

But Rotherham are set to move in a different direction, with York-born McClaren's arrival in a director of football-type role thought to be imminent. He will then lead the search for a new head coach.

MOVING ON: Lee Clark (Image: Jonathan Gawthorpe)

placeholder image — MOVING ON: Lee Clark (Image: Jonathan Gawthorpe)

So, having said his goodbyes to the fanbase the previous day, Clark was wasted no time finding himself a new job, at Conference side Hartlepool.

"Hartlepool United is a club with a strong identity, passionate supporters and a real connection with its town," said Clark, a former Newcastle United and Sunderland player who went on to manage Huddersfield Town.

“From my conversations with (head of football operations) Chris Maxwell and the chairman, it was clear there is a genuine determination throughout the club to build something supporters can believe in again and that ambition was a huge part of why I wanted to be involved.

“My focus now is on building a team that reflects the energy, honesty and work ethic that people in this town expect to see every week.

ROTHERHAM-BOUND: Steve McClaren, previously head coach of Jamaica (Image: Harry Murphy/Getty Images)

Standards are hugely important and we want players who demand the best from themselves and each other every day."

A statement from Rothertham spoke of Clark’s “important role in guiding the team through a difficult spell during the back end of the campaign.”

It added: “Looking towards the future, Lee also played a crucial role in providing key feedback to help form our 2025-26 retained list, as well as being a part of planning our pre-season schedule.

“The club has already begun the process of identifying and appointing new first team management, with any information to be communicated at the earliest opportunity.”

Hartlepool have themselves had a restructure after finishing ninth last season, two points behind Halifax Town.

Chris Beech has been appointed head of recruitment, and former captain Gary Liddle will be joined on the coaching staff by a new addition, whose season has not yet finished.

Clark won one and drew two of his nine matches at the New York Stadium. His assistant Peter Leven has also left Rotherham.

Former York City player McClaren, whose last job was as coach of Jamaica until November, led Middlesbrough to the 2006 Uefa Cup final before leaving to manage England.