Former Birmingham City manager Lee Clark has reunited with ex-Blues midfielder Adam Clayton, appointing him as his assistant head coach at National League side Hartlepool United.
Clark's Return to Management
Lee Clark made his return to football management earlier this year when he took the helm at Rotherham United. However, his tenure was brief as he could not prevent the Millers from suffering relegation to League Two. The 53-year-old then opted to move back to the north east, accepting the head coach position at Hartlepool United.
Hartlepool becomes the seventh club Clark has managed in England. His previous roles include Huddersfield Town, Birmingham City, Blackpool, Bury, Blyth Spartans, and Rotherham United.
Adam Clayton's Journey
Adam Clayton previously played under Clark at Huddersfield Town. He later joined Birmingham City during Aitor Karanka's reign, making just 16 appearances for the club—14 of which came in the Championship—before dropping down the divisions. The 37-year-old then ventured into management, taking charge of non-league side Matlock Town last year. His time there was tumultuous: he left over Christmas only to be reinstated within two days, before departing for a second time in March.
New Role at Hartlepool
Clayton has now signed a two-year contract to serve as Clark's number two at Hartlepool United. The duo will work together to transform the club from play-off contenders into genuine promotion candidates. Hartlepool finished ninth in the National League last season, 13 points adrift of the play-off places.
