NEALE Cooper is happy to be able to feed his addiction again.

Following a seven-month sabbatical, the 39-year-old was this week named as the man to lead Hartlepool United in Division Two next season.

Work starts officially on Monday, when the players return for pre-season training, and the ex-Ross County chief is raring to go. "I love the drug of football, I'm so glad to be back,'' he said.

"I spent six-and-half years at one club and we achieved third place in the first division. From then expectations went high and I want to remember the good times I had at Ross County.

"People say I left for health reasons, but I wasn't hospitalised or anything like that. I lost a bit of spark and that was a big part of my management style.

"My philosophy is to work hard, ensure people are playing with a smile on their faces and don't complicate things. I want a hard working team of boys who get on well.

"I've come from a family club where no one was ever kept out of anything. I've had a wee break, visited Sir Alex, Graeme Souness and a few other friends in the game and come back refreshed after learning things along the way.''

Cooper might have been a surprise choice to some, but he had a head start on some - simply by applying for the job.

The only candidates interviewed were those who officially applied.

Hodcroft refused to give anyone the chance to impress if they failed to make a personal approach, which is believed to have ruled Steve Cotterill out of the running.

And Colin Todd's advisor could have ruined his chances by using the Press to criticise the chairman.

"We interviewed a lot of people for the job, but a lot of the names you saw didn't apply. It is company policy that if you want a job with us then you apply in person,,' admitted Hodcroft.

"I know it's not the norm in football, but if you want to work for us then don't send your agents. We still had a good selection of candidates and we evaluated them all.''

And he added: "We struck up a bit of a relationship with Ross County a few years ago when we were trying to sign a player (Derek Holmes).

"And then when Neale applied for the job, bells started ringing.

"Our lawyer in Aberdeen knows Sir Alex and called him up for a personal reference about his character and the like - he said Neale would not take over at Old Trafford but would do a good job at Hartlepool.''

Cooper's first day in charge saw the completion of the £70,000 of defender Micky Nelson from Bury.

Cooper, new right-hand man Martin Scott and chief scout Tommy Miller are working on attracting other players to the club and Hodcroft admitted: "I would never rule out making more money available for the manager.

"We have made one signing and if he wants more then he will come to us and ask. We haven't brought anyone in since last October and that is because Mike Newell never asked for anyone.

"We have a squad capable of achieving big things, they were better than every team in the third division last season - but that doesn't mean to say we won't be signing anyone.

"Martin Scott knows the youth players here inside out and we have asked Tommy Miller to draw up a list and recommend players and we are working on it.''

Meanwhile, ex-Pool midfielder Tommy Miller feels Pool have missed out by not handing the job to Ipswich coach Tony Mowbray.

Mowbray was among the front runners for the Pool role and Miller admitted: "I'm surprised he didn't get the Hartlepool job, it seemed a perfect match. Pool have missed out a bit there.

"He is a good coach, as a player he was a leader and he has taken that with him into management.

"I'm surprised at the appointment and I'm sure many fans will be too, as they would have been expecting a higher-profile manager.

"I know of Neale but don't really know much about him. Only time will tell if he is the right choice but I hope he does well."

Mowbray admitted: "It is one of those things and not meant to be. I will take a lot from the interview process and be ready when the next opportunity comes along.''

l Pool last night announced three home games have been brought forward 24 hours to Friday night.

Grimsby Town will now visit on Friday, September 12, Sheffield Wednesday on October 10 and Blackpool on February 20.

Read more about Hartlepool here.