Hartlepool United chairman Raj Singh has claimed he 'didn't know anything' about Paul Hartley before handing him the top job.
The former Hearts and Hibs midfielder left his role at Cove Rangers to take up the job in England's League Two in the summer. His decision to move was off the back of a very successful stint at the Balmoral Stadium that ended with him leading his old club to the Scottish Championship for this campaign.
Hartley's short-stint in charge was ended after nine league games with Hartlepool sitting 23rd in the standings and without a victory. Singh has since confirmed that the ex- Celtic and Scotland star was NOT his first choice and it was in fact another manager who had been very successful in Scotland with his name only coming up via an agent. However, following a successful and impressive interview he landed the job but is now looking for his next role after a short-lived stint down south.
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Singh said: "Paul's appointment came about when Adrian (Bevington, director) made a call to an agent in Scotland to enquire about another manager who had been very successful up there.
“However, he was told that manager is happy where he is and put Paul Hartley forward.
“At that time, I didn't know anything about Paul Hartley. In fact, I couldn't remember him as a player.
“On Adrian's recommendation, along with Lee Rust (director), the three of us met Paul and following his interview we heard all the right things and decided to appoint him.
“A lot has been made of the fact that we are now onto our fourth manager in a year. It never looks good for a chairman to keep changing managers but what can you do when you’re in a position where we have won one game out of the last 20 including last season?”
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