Kevin Phillips sends statement as Jeff Stelling rages at Hartlepool decision

29/04/2024 21:30

Hartlepool United offered Kevin Phillips a new two-year contract before subsequently taking it away, the ex-Premier League forward claims.

The former Sunderland striker has only been in the job for three months, but in that time managed to lift Pools from the mire and guided the club to safety from relegation from the National League.

Phillips was hired when a run of one win in seven games plunged Hartlepool into danger, but he masterminded a comeback with a five-game unbeaten run following his appointment with four wins and a draw.

It didn't all go the Stadium of Light goal machine's way, with Phillips describing the 7-1 defeat to local rivals Gateshead in March as one of the worst days of his life.

But the team recovered with surprise wins over Halifax and Aldershot which meant they had beaten the drop, going from 16th when he was appointed on a short-term deal to 12th place after seven wins in 16 games in charge.

Despite his success in the dugout, though, Hartlepool announced on Friday evening that Phillips had left his post at the end of his contract.

Supporters were shocked, confused, with the club later announcing former Stevenage, Yeovil and Woking boss Darren Sarll as his replacement on Saturday morning.

And none more so than Stelling, who said the unbelievable news left him 'depressed' and that his 'summer was ruined'.

Reacting to the news on Friday, the talkSPORT Breakfast host wrote on X: "I think we need to hear what has happened – 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!

 "KP has been a breath of fresh air at our football club. I am gutted. Summer ruined."

On Saturday morning the club confirmed they had decided to appoint Sarll, rather than stick with Phillips, due to his experience in the National League.

Stelling responded: "So now we know. Not KP decision to leave at all. I am lost for words."

He also posted: "I feel like the bloke in 'Love Actually' who walks away from Keira Knightley saying 'enough, enough now'."

Hartlepool chairman Raj Singh explained the decision in a statement, saying: "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."

Phillips has since claimed that there was initially an offer for him to extend his stay on the table, before it was abruptly taken away.

A statement on his behalf read: “Just over a fortnight ago, Kevin was officially offered a new contract by the club prior to the end of the season after the option terms of his initial contract term were met as a result of the agreed milestones being achieved during his tenure.

“Kevin was looking forward to continuing his stay at Hartlepool and the challenges that lay ahead.

“He was offered a new two-year contract, double the length initially outlined in the original agreement, with the club owner adding the further year in order to reinforce his intention to back the head coach and that this should be reflected in the contract term.

Last week, Kevin was preparing to meet with players to conduct their individual end of season reviews when another hastily arranged meeting with the owner and two newly appointed directors was called on the Thursday morning.

“During this meeting, Kevin was surprised to learn that the contract option had been withdrawn and that he was being relieved of his duties as head coach with immediate effect.”

Meanwhile, Phillips said: “I have thoroughly enjoyed working at Hartlepool United and with all the existing staff there.

“The club has terrific support and an established fan base to be proud of, which always made matchdays a pleasure.

“I had wished to continue the journey with everyone and build a successful team together.

“I leave with fond memories and shall continue to follow the club’s progress, hoping they can enjoy every success in the future.”

On the call to hire Sarll, club director Andy Steel pointed to the 41-year-old's experience at National League level, having overseen over 300 games as manager.

Steel added: "He [Sarll] 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."

Sarll himself added: “I’m really excited to get started – the opportunity and challenge at the club is one I’m very much looking forward to.

“I’m coming here in order to win and we need to close that gap to the play-offs. We won’t accept mediocrity, we need to challenge every season and that all starts from the dressing room.

“I can't wait to start, creating a strong dressing room is the priority ahead of this pre-season.

"Over the years I have managed visiting teams at the Suit Direct Stadium and I am fully aware of the amazing passion the fans have for the club.

“The intensity they bring gives us a huge advantage and we must capitalise on this community’s passion. I really want to create some lasting memories and be part of what is already an illustrious history. Supporters being proud of their town and team means everything to me."