Ex Rotherham United manager leaves new club after fan pressure
Lee Clark took charge of the Millers for a brief spell earlier this year
Former Rotherham United boss Lee Clark quit his job with new club Hartlepool United during a one-question press conference last weekend.
The Geordie was at the helm for the final nine matches of the Millers' 2025/26 League One relegation campaign before moving on in the summer to take the hot-seat at National League Hartlepool United.
His reign there hasn't gone well and he parted company with Pools yesterday after suffering abuse from fans during a 3-1 home defeat against Worthing that has left them 19th in the table.
His first answer to the media following the clash was: "All I want to say is, I resign from my position with immediate effect.
"I wanted to give this club and the fans something to be proud of, which is what they deserve. I haven’t been able to do that unfortunately.
"I know what this club means - I said it at the start when I got the job. I was excited to take it and I wanted to be the man that got them back where they need and deserve to be. It hasn’t worked out.
"You’ve heard the reaction of the supporters. I took a long time out of the game and I wasn’t going to be coming back and getting an atmosphere like that. It’s not going to change and it’s not nice for my family and friends to listen to that."
Clark hadn't managed in the EFL for nearly a decade when the Millers turned to him on a short-term basis in March following the dismissal of Matt Hamshaw.
The 43-year-old couldn't arrest the slide, but Rotherham fans warmed to his approach and his honesty, and many would have been happy to see him offered the role permanently.
His nine league games at Hartlepool - that brought six losses and three wins - is the same number he took charge of with the Millers.
One of his signing for Pools during the close season was ex Rotherham striker Jordan Hugill who is still waiting for his first goal since his move.
Clark added: "I wish success to whoever takes the job on. I wish the fans all the best. They’re a magnificent group of people. The people in behind the scenes, my staff, the people in the offices, they’re absolutely brilliant, and the support I’ve had from the chairman, the owner, Chris Maxwell, has been fantastic.
"But I’m nearly 54, and you have to understand when things aren’t going your way."
Hartlepool were taken over in January by American businessman Landon Smith and they are seeking to end their four-year absence from the EFL as soon as possible.