Vanarama National League side Hartlepool United have appointed The New Saints boss Craig Harrison as their new First Team Manager.
The Pools have looked to the Welsh Premier League for their next manager after their relegation to the English National League was confirmed last month.
Harrison who before managing the Welsh champions, spent time as a an assistant-manager and then as manager of Airbus UK before going on to have multiple success with the Oswestry based side, winning six Premier League titles at Park Hall, as well as winning four Welsh Cups.
The former Middlesbrough defender brought global exposure to the league and the club after his side went on a 27-game unbeaten run which was noted by the Guinness World Records committee.
The 39 year-old’s last involvement with the club was the 2-1 defeat to Bala Town in the Welsh Cup final this season.
Harrison who was linked with the Hartlepool job before the clubs relegation, said he had intentions of managing elsewhere but that the opportunity would have to be the right one.
“Obviously there’s a geographical link [with Hartlepool] as I’m from that region originally. But you have to be doing a decent job in the job you’re already in to be linked with another team, so it’s great and I’m flattered.
“There’s no doubt that at some point I want to manage as high up as I can, but I don’t know when that will be.
“If it was the right opportunity, I would be interested. Whether that comes tomorrow, in the summer, or in two or five years.
“There’s no timescale or geographical limitations. I’d be happy to travel and go somewhere else whether it’s in the UK or abroad.”
Speaking to the official New Saints website, Chairman Mike Harris paid tribute to Harrison and wished him well in his new role.
‘I would personally like to thank Craig for all of the success he has brought to the club in the five years or so he has been with us and I wish him all the very best in his new role with Hartlepool United.
In the wake of Harrison’s departure, assistant-manager Scott Ruscoe will take charge of the First Team for the time being whilst Steve Evans will fill in as assistant alongside Ruscoe.
(Featured Image: Brian Jones)
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