Lee Cattermole set for first managerial job in deal with National League side

Ex-Middlesbrough and Sunderland captain Lee Cattermole has agreed a deal to become the new Hartlepool manager, talkSPORT understands.

The former midfielder is believed to be in the final stages of concluding his coaching team before succeeding Nicky Featherstone at Victoria Park.

Cattermole’s backroom team is likely to consist of ex-Newcastle and Sunderland assistant boss Steve Agnew and Gary Liddle, who worked alongside Featherstone at Hartlepool.

Matt Hamshaw, who was axed by Rotherham last month, was initially in the mix to link up with Cattermole but the two parties were unable to find an agreement

The 38-year-old previously coached Middlesbrough’s Under-18 side before going on to show his expertise at Bristol Rovers.

He held the position of first-team coach with focus on improving the team’s efficiency from set-pieces.

However, his spell with The Pirates was an eventful one as he was promoted to caretaker manager alongside David Horseman following the sacking of Matt Taylor.

But before his first game in charge, Cattermole opted to depart the club.

Cattermole has never hidden his desire to become a manager in the future and it appears that his wish will come to fruition.

Cat’s out of the bag

The sole aim for Cattermole will be to get Hartlepool back into the EFL following this season’s ninth-placed finish in the National League.

Hartlepool, owned by American Landon Smith, assigned Bromby and Partners to spearhead change with the club’s on-pitch displays.

Ex-Sheffield Wednesday and Leeds defender is in charge of business matters with head of football operations Chris Maxwell focusing on the day-to-day activities.

Maxwell said earlier this week: “A number of important decisions have already been taken to strengthen the structure of the football department.

“It gives us a clear platform to build from as we look ahead to next season and beyond.

“There is still important work to be done, including the appointment of a new first-team coach and the continued development of our backroom structure.

“That work is ongoing, and we are confident we are putting the right people and processes in place to achieve our ambitions.”

Hartlepool announced their retained list this week with just seven players kept on for next season.

A total of 13 players were released with four loan signings sent back to the parent clubs.