Hartlepool United expert Rob Law backs 'surprise appointment' Lee Clark to succeed at Victoria Park

Law, who is one of the most recognisable and well-respected broadcasters in the North East thanks in large part to his work with BBC Radio Tees, was impressed by the new Pools head coach when he interviewed him following his appointment last month.

Pools had looked poised to appoint former Sunderland skipper Lee Cattermole following the departure of Nicky Featherstone before opting for the much more experienced Clark.

While the 53-year-old's recent managerial record is somewhat chequered - Clark was relegated with Blackpool, endured a difficult spell at Birmingham City and was unable to save Rotherham United from relegation during a fleeting stint in South Yorkshire at the end of last season - he enjoyed considerable success with Huddersfield Town at the beginning of his career, leading the Terriers to back-to-back League One play-off campaigns.