WHAT price Martin Scott being appointed Hartlepool United's next manager?

No-one is putting the mockers on new boss Neale Cooper, but if Scott's rise through the Victoria Park ranks and the faith entrusted in him by chairman Ken Hodcroft is anything to go by, then it appears the next man is already in place.

The success Scott brought Pool at youth team level helped secure a role as assistant manager last week and while there might have been a tinge of disappointment after missing out on the top job, there were plenty of comforting positives for the former Sunderland crowd favourite.

"I am very pleased with the situation - a lot of people look at the negative side of things and say that I might be disappointed because I missed out on the manager's job but I don't necessarily see it like that," he admitted.

"Of course it was disappointing, but I sat down with the chairman and Ian McRae and I see this as a great step forward in my career.

"I want to be a coach and a manager and they know that. They convinced me - and I totally agree with it - that this is a great step forward to me.

"It's important for me personally that I have a big input and I am managing a team, in my case the reserves. It's a great chance for me to build on things and then help me to step up.''

Scott was first shortlisted for the No 1 job at Victoria Park when Chris Turner left last November. He was pipped for the post by Mike Newell, but was given a taste of life as a first-team coach alongside both Newell and acting manager Colin West.

That period whetted his appetite no end and he admitted: "I was bitterly disappointed to miss out last time the job came up, but I took on board why they appointed Mike and got on with my job.

"But I learnt a lot from Mike and Colin and Chris and Kevin Sheedy as well. I wanted the job both times and spoke to the chairman and we now see my way forward.

"I really appreciate what the chairman has said about me, but it's not just me because a lot of people behind the scenes have put a lot of hard work in.''

Scott's role in the coming weeks will be invaluable, offering Neale Cooper an insight into how the players work and what has ensured four years of near constant success at Victoria Park.

And while Cooper gets to know his new charges, for Scott it's about carrying on the good work.

"In a way that's why the chairman has made such a great decision,'' admitted Scott. "I can learn from Neale and he will learn about the players for me.

"We don't know each other in great detail yet, but going on first impressions - and for me they count a lot - I like him a lot. I am sure we will build up a great relationship.

"The chairman is very shrewd in what he does and I believe we have another manager in place to bring success.''

Scott's elevation confirms the Hodcroft and IOR policy or rewarding people for hard work.

Pool's youth team has enjoyed success in recent years under the Yorkshireman and that meant the chairman had a ready made No 2 in place.

"Martin has been rewarded for the hard work of the last few years,'' said Hodcroft.

"If someone wants to work with us then it is 99 per cent of the battle,'' said Hodcroft.

"Look at Paul Stephenson for example. He is coming to the end of his playing career and is moving into coaching.

"We know he is a good coach, he came with fantastic references from Newcastle where he has been coaching the juniors.

"Now we have created a position for him here and we know he will be a success.

"Martin has done a tremendous job since August 2000. He has shown great commitment and we have rewarded that commitment with a promotion.

"I know the younger lads will miss him in charge of the youth team and it is a big deal for us because we now have a hole to fill.

"It might not make headlines in the papers but to us it is very important - what are we going to do with the gap? But it is very important that Martin stays and benefits from the work he has put in."

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