10 candidates Hartlepool United could consider as Pools hunt for Lee Clark's permanent successor

The 45-year-old appears to be the first choice of the lion's share of Pools fans having led York City to the National League title last season. Maynard, who is renowned for his commitment to possession-based, progressive football, steered Wealdstone to their highest league finish in 35 years, finished in the League Two play-off places with Notts County and clinched promotion to the Football League with the Minstermen last term. Having replaced Adam Hinshelwood at the beginning of the 2025/26 season, Maynard helped York edge out Rochdale on a dramatic final day to be crowned National League champions after amassing a whopping 108 points. York caused a real stir by allowing Maynard to leave in the summer and it's unlikely he'll be short of suitors over the coming weeks and months. Would be an appointment that shows considerable ambition on the part of Pools, although it's unclear whether or not he would prefer a job in the Football League.