MARTIN SCOTT has finally been given the manager's job at Hartlepool United on a full-time basis.

After returning from a two-week break with his family, Scott held lengthy negotiations with chairman Ken Hodcroft at Victoria Park yesterday.

And The the former Sunderland defender was this morning handed the chance to take over permanently - fending off competition from a clutch of other names including Chris Turner and John Carver.

Scott was unveiled as Neale Cooper's successor at a press conference this morning and it is just rewards for the way he steered Pool to the play-off final following the Scot's departure in May.

The 37-year-old, formerly reserve team coach and youth team coach at the League One club, stepped in as caretaker and secured the point that clinched a place in the top six against Bournemouth.

Scott then oversaw a never-to-be forgotten play-off push that saw Pool overcome favourites Tranmere before losing to Sheffield Wednesday at the Millennium Stadium on the biggest day in the club's 97-year history.

It is expected that Steve Agnew - currently Leeds coach - will be installed as his assistant, although former Sunderland team-mate Kevin Ball has been mentioned as well.

One of Scott's first tasks will be the fight to retain the services of former Black Cats' winger Thomas Butler next season - with a host of clubs battling for his signature.

The 24-year-old spent the final few months of the campaign at Victoria Park and was given a starting berth in the play-off final defeat at the Millennium Stadium.

Butler's direct running style became an instant hit with the Pool supporters and they would like to see the player commit his future to the club for another year.

However, Bristol City are understood to have offered him a lucrative deal, while Bournemouth, Bradford and Colchester have all made inquiries about the player's situation.

Butler, who has been capped by the Republic of Ireland, is keen to play at the highest level possible but is also content with the prospect of staying at Pool and helping the club push for promotion for the third successive year.

The ex-Sunderland starlet is also looking to finally find some stability in a career that has failed to hit the heights he was initially being tipped to achieve.

During his days on Wearside he battled with depression and home sickness before leaving Sunderland, and he eventually signed for Dunfermline in a bid to turn things around for the better.

The switch to Pool earlier this year was the perfect opportunity for him to make his mark in England again and now, having impressed while on loan at the club, there is no shortage of employers keen on him for the new campaign.

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