Former Hartlepool United manager Nicky Featherstone discusses Pools future

Featherstone stepped down from his role as the club's first team manager in April after Pools opted not to offer him a new contract following a review by specialist football consultancy firm Bromby and Partners.

However, in a statement Pools revealed that "the club has held initial discussions with Featherstone to offer alternative roles and opportunities in support of his next steps and further development as a coach or manager".

Pools have made a productive start to the summer, appointing Lee Clark as their new head coach and Adam Clayton as his assistant while also welcoming four new signings including highly rated winger Jack Nolan, who scored 19 goals in 40 games for Morecambe last season.