Hartlepool United has made the decision to part ways with manager Simon Grayson following a disappointing start to the National League season, characterized by only one win in their last 11 matches. Grayson, who took charge of the team in June, departs Victoria Park in under four months. Despite his efforts to oversee a significant squad revamp and hand out several debuts at the beginning of the campaign, the team’s performance failed to improve, leading to the board’s decision to make a change.
A seasoned coach with experience at Sunderland, Leeds United, and Preston North End, Grayson struggled to find consistency during his tenure at Hartlepool, with the team currently placed in the lower half of the National League table. His departure comes after previous challenges faced during his time at Sunderland, where he was relieved of his duties after just four months due to poor results.
In the interim period, Nicky Featherstone will take temporary charge of Hartlepool, supported by coaches Elliott Dickman and Adam Smith. The trio will oversee the upcoming FA Cup replay against Gainsborough Trinity at Victoria Park on Tuesday night. The club released a statement confirming Grayson’s exit, expressing gratitude for his efforts and wishing him well in his future endeavors.
On a brighter note for another Sunderland player, Trai Hume, the right-back scored his first goal for Northern Ireland during a 2-0 victory over Slovakia. Hume described the moment as one he will cherish for the rest of his life, as he produced a composed volley from the edge of the area. Reflecting on the match, Hume emphasized the significance of the upcoming game against Germany and expressed his gratitude for the support of his family and girlfriend during his landmark achievement.
Hume commended Northern Ireland’s strategic approach and pressing tactics that led to their impressive performance, highlighting the team’s intensity on the pitch. As they look ahead to future matches, he emphasized the importance of maintaining their strong home record and defensive resilience. The full-back’s goal underscored a significant milestone in his international career and further motivates him to contribute more to the team’s success in future matches.
