Dave Penney Early Frontrunner For Hartlepool Job

Hartlepool have begun the search for a new manager with the former Darlington boss Dave Penney installed as the early frontrunner in the Next Hartlepool Manager Betting. On Tuesday Pools ended Head Coach Mick Wadsworth's 16 month spell in charge following a woeful run of seven straight home defeats. Micky Barron, who is also in the running for the vacancy, has been in temporary charge of first-team affairs since Wadsworth's departure and will look to prove his credentials on Saturday when Hartlepool play Brentford.

The club, who are undecided whether to go for a youthful approach or opt for someone with experience, are currently weighing up the potential candidates after being inundated with applications for the post, with former Darlington boss Penney currently the odds-on 4/5 favourite with Stan James. The 47-year-old has been out of work since March after he was axed by Bristol Rovers following a disappointing two months where he lost nine of his 13 games in charge.

Potential successors to Wadsworth include former Falkirk manager John Hughes, Bury boss Richard Barker and former Pools manager Neale Cooper. Other names in the running include Sean O'Driscoll, Ian Bogie, Mark Robins and Ritchie Humphreys.

Hartlepool travel to promotion pushing Brentford on Saturday looking for their first win in three matches. Stan James have the home side as the 5/6 favourites for the win, while Hartlepool are available at 10/3 to come away with their sixth away win of the campaign. In stark contrast to their home form Hartlepool have a cracking record away, and have only suffered one defeat on the road this season. A draw is also available at 12/5.

Odds provided by Stan James.