HARTLEPOOL United have appointed Paul Hartley as their new manager.

The 45-year-old has taken over at Victoria Park after leaving Scottish club Cove Rangers, whom he led to two promotions and the highest-ever league position in the Scottish Championship.

The former Celtic midfielder, who won 25 caps for Scotland, will be assisted by former Sheffield United and Dundee United coach Gordon Young.

Hartley replaces Graeme Lee, who was dismissed as Hartlepool's manager last month.

Hartley told the Pools website: “I’m absolutely delighted to be joining Hartlepool United.

"We have enjoyed our time at Cove Rangers immensely and are extremely proud of our achievements there but this is an opportunity that myself and Gordon couldn’t turn down.

"The club has truly incredible support from its fans and there is so much potential for this club to kick on.

“I’ve had a number of meetings with the Chairman and Board to discuss and shape plans for how we will achieve success moving forward.

"It was very clear that the club has been transformed behind the scenes in recent years and there is a clear vision to be a well-run organisation, both on and off the field.

 

“I’m an ambitious manager and I would only move to a club that I believe can provide the platform for building a team that wins.

"As a manager I want the supporters to know that I am a driven and hard-working person and we will produce a team that as a minimum always works extremely hard and is totally committed.

“There is a lot of recruitment work to be done and we will begin that immediately, working closely with Head of Recruitment Chris Trotter.

"Gordon and I are both very excited to be taking the job on at Hartlepool and I would like to thank the Chairman and Board for giving us this opportunity.

“I would also like to extend my thanks to Cove Rangers Chairman, Keith Moorhouse, and the Board, for their support during my time at the club and wish them all the very best in the future."

 

Hartley won two successive promotions with with Alloa Athletic in his first-ever managerial role.

He then took over at Dundee manager, leading them back to the Scottish Premiership by winning the Scottish Championship in his first season in charge.

Hartley then led Dundee to a sixth-place finish in the Scottish Premiership, the following season.

Hartlepool United chairman Raj Singh told the club's website: “There’s been an extensive process with a lot of candidates which has taken time, but we are very pleased to have now secured the services of both Paul and Gordon.

“We looked closely at what they have both achieved previously, how they work and their potential match with Hartlepool United.

“Paul has proven to be a winner throughout his career and he is clearly a very hard working and ambitious manager that has already had some remarkable managerial success."