Jeff Stelling demands explanation as Prem icon leaves Hartlepool after just three months
Jeff Stelling compared himself to a character in Love Actually and said he is “depressed” after Hartlepool replaced Kevin Phillips as manager. The former Premier League striker was appointed in January on a short-term contract to steer Hartlepool away from the relegation zone in the National League. The club were 16th, four points above the drop, when he arrived and after winning seven of his 16 games in charge, he helped them finish 12th. However, Hartlepool decided not to extend his contract and have instead appointed former Stevenage, Yeovil and Woking boss Darren Sarll as their new manager. Hartlepool chairman Raj Singh has opted for Sarll’s experience over Phillips’ potential, much to the annoyance of Stelling. Reacting to the news on Friday night, the former Soccer Saturday presenter tweeted: “KP has been a breath of fresh air at our football club. I am gutted. Summer ruined.” DON'T SCRAP REPLAYS! Join our petition to keep the magic of the FA Cup alive! In an official statement, Singh explained the decision: “Kevin has done a good job this season since coming in as head coach and he’s been great to work with. His remit upon appointment was firstly to make sure that the club retained its current league status and then from there to start looking up towards play-off positions. “We had a difficult backdrop and precarious league position when the previous manager departed. We believed that Kevin was the right appointment to navigate through things and in the end he has helped comfortably ensure that the club stay away from any relegation concerns, which at one point were lingering.” Stelling was far from convinced. “I think we need to hear what has happened @Official_HUFC. KP may have got a blinding offer from another club. I know none of us think that is the case but I guess we have to wait to hear. Depressed regardless!” he tweeted before adding: “I feel like the bloke in ‘Love Actually’ who walks away from Keira Knightley saying ‘enough, enough now’.”
Kevin Phillips has been replaced as Hartlepool manager
(Image: Getty Images)
Hartlepool announced the appointment of Sarll on Saturday morning, with the statement emphasising the 41-year-old’s experience, having taken charge of over 300 matches. “He presented a very clear and compelling view of how he wants to build the squad, deliver a positive style of football that statistically supports success in this league, and create a winning mentality and culture,” club director Andy Steel said. “Critically, Darren also has an in-depth knowledge of the National league and its players as well as first-hand experience of getting teams to play-offs, which were all key criteria for the Board when looking at a managerial appointment to move forward. We believe the appointment will help ensure the club is challenging at the top of the league next season.” Stelling was left bemused by the decision. “So now we know. Not KP’s decision to leave at all. I am lost for words,” he tweeted. Phillips was in his second managerial position, having previously spent just over a year in charge of South Shields, winning the Northern Premier League Premier Division in his second season. Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
