National League

"When the opportunity came up, it was one I wanted to take. This is a massive football club with a proud history, passionate supporters and a real expectation to be competing at the top end of the league, so it was a challenge that immediately appealed to me."

"Development football could be okay for me now, but I feel like I need that game on the weekend to strive towards to try and get a result. That's where it lies for me, with first team football eventually I think."

"Hartlepool have been very strong recently at not giving a lot away, not conceding goals, so that's something we need to try and hold onto while we try and progress, create more opportunities, score more goals and attack with more pace and intent. We're looking to become more dynamic. That's easy to say, it's harder to deliver."

"My understanding is that he had an opportunity to stay on at Rotherham if he so chose to but decided instead to come to Hartlepool United, a club that he holds close to his heart."

"We ran a lengthy process and we ended up on Lee Clark, who is a fantastic person, his experience is amazing, his knowledge of the North East but in particular Hartlepool is outstanding."

"We still talk about it now, we still send videos into our group chat. The celebrations were brilliant."

Hartlepool United have been linked with a move for attacking-midfielder Josh Hawkes.

"I'm looking forward to meeting the supporters, getting started and doing everything I can to help the team have a successful season."