“Ex-Premier League Hero Brutally Axed by Struggling National League Club in Desperate Hunt for FIFTH Manager in Just ONE Year!”
Hartlepool United dismiss former Sunderland and Leeds manager Simon Grayson after dismal run of results.
Simon Grayson has been dismissed by Hartlepool United after just four months in charge.
The 55-year-old, who made over 100 Premier League appearances with Aston Villa and Leicester City, was appointed in June to replace Anthony Limbrick.
He began his tenure strongly, guiding the team to 10 points from their opening four league matches, but a dismal run of just one win in 11 games across all competitions ultimately sealed his fate.
In an official statement, Hartlepool confirmed: “Hartlepool United Football Club has today parted company with manager Simon Grayson.
Following discussions yesterday evening and a board meeting this morning, it became clear that expectations regarding performances and results have not been met.
Securing only one win in the last 11 games falls short of the required standard; therefore, the board of directors have made the difficult decision to relieve Simon of his duties.
The club thanks Simon for his efforts and wishes him well for the future.”
The statement also announced that Nicky Featherstone, alongside Elliott Dickman and Adam Smith, will take temporary charge, beginning with Tuesday’s FA Cup replay against Gainsborough Trinity.
Grayson’s record at the club stands at four wins, six draws, and four defeats from 14 league matches, leaving Hartlepool 12th in the National League.
Despite their mid-table position, the team struggled offensively, scoring only 13 goals — the lowest tally among the division’s top 15 sides.
The decision to part ways with Grayson follows a disappointing 1-1 draw against seventh-tier Gainsborough in the FA Cup fourth qualifying round.
Before joining Hartlepool, the former Leeds and Preston boss had led Lalitpur City to the Nepal Super League title earlier this year.
His extensive managerial career includes spells at seven English clubs and Bengaluru in the Indian Super League.
Grayson’s departure marks yet another change in Hartlepool’s turbulent managerial cycle. Featherstone becomes the fifth manager in just 12 months, following Darren Sarll, Lennie Lawrence, and Anthony Limbrick.
Lawrence had a brief caretaker spell last season before stepping aside in February for Limbrick, who was later succeeded by Grayson — and now, just four months later, history repeats itself.
