NEALE Cooper won't be swopping Hartlepool United for a return to Dunfermline.

Cooper has been prominent in the thoughts of Pars' chairman John Yorkston in his search for a new manager.

But the Pool boss is staying at Victoria Park, where he will be aiming to go one better than last season's play-off semi-final defeat and steer Pool out of Coca Cola League One.

Cooper, a former Pars midfielder, admitted: "It was flattering to be linked to the job. I played at Dunfermline for four years and I know all of the people there but professionally I'm very happy here.

"Some of the papers were saying I wanted to go back to Scotland because my children live up there but it is a professional decision and, I have said it in the past, I thoroughly enjoy working at Hartlepool.

"One of the main things I enjoy about working here is the way the lads work and the camaraderie they show. The team spirit here is great and myself, Martin and all of the players enjoy training."

Yorkston is likely to appoint former Celtic boss Davie Hay, after interviews with Sandy Clark, Stan Ternent, Steve McMahon and Richard Gough.

Pool are back for pre-season training on July 1 and they head to Holland for the third year in succession on July 11, when they will stay at the headquarters of the Dutch FA.

Darrell Clarke and Tony Sweeney will sign new contracts to keep them at Victoria Park, but Paul Robinson is likely to leave.

He was offered a six-month deal and admitted last week he was disappointed with the offer. League Two side Yeovil are one of the clubs interested in the striker.

Cooper will have Jack Ross joining his squad after his move from Clyde and is hoping to have two more new recruits.

Pool fans have until Saturday to take advantage of season ticket discounts.

l Defender Matt Clarke is expected to make a decision on his Darlington future this week.

With interest from League Two rivals Notts County, the 23-year-old will open talks with Quakers boss David Hodgson.

And following County boss Gary Mills' admission that Clarke has not been offered improved terms to move to Meadow Lane, Hodgson will be hopeful of including the 6ft 3in stopper in his plans next season.

Leeds-born Clarke is keen to remain at the Neasham Road Stadium and recently agreed a one-year deal with the club.

Hodgson is due to hold talks over his own future with new chief executive Andy Battison and Sterling financier Stewart Davies this week