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EXETER, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 1STAll smiles Hartlepool United Dave Challinor after the FA Cup match between Exeter City and Hartlepool United at St James' Park, Exeter on Sunday 1st December 2019. (Credit: Mark Fletcher | MI News) Photograph may only be used for newspaper and/or magazine editorial purposes, license required for commercial use. NOT FOR RESALE
Challinor, who led Pools to promotion back to the Football League in 2021, is widely regarded as one of the greatest managers in the club's entire history.
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Dave Challinor reflects on 'really, really tough decision' to leave Hartlepool United

"It was always going to be a tough decision, a really, really tough decision to leave. I'd worked for 10 years to become a Football League manager, and I'd achieved it for the first time."

29.06.26, 14:50 Updated 29.06.26, 14:50 5 Minute Read

Robbie Stelling

Robbie Stelling

Former Hartlepool United manager Dave Challinor has been reflecting on his "really, really tough decision" to leave Pools.

The 50-year-old, who is widely regarded as one of the best managers in the club's entire history, led Pools to promotion back to the Football League in 2021 via a heart-stopping National League play-off final.

Challinor was appointed Pools boss in 2019 following hugely successful spells in charge of Colwyn Bay and AFC Fylde, leading the Coasters from the Northern Premier League Division One North to the National League while also winning the FA Trophy.

After Challinor's first season at the helm of Pools was curtailed due to the Coronavirus pandemic, Pools finished the 2020/21 campaign in fourth, securing their place in the National League play-offs.

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