JOE Allon believes Hartlepool United chairman Ken Hodcroft has the ideal role models to follow.

Hodcroft is currently sifting through the applicants in choosing who takes over from Mike Newell as Pool boss.

Newell was axed a fortnight ago and Hodcroft has admitted that it may be two more weeks until a replacement is appointed.

And ex-Pool forward Allon, a regular at Victoria Park last season as a radio commentator said: "I think we might be leaving it a little bit late in making an appointment, but on saying that I'm still a little bit shocked that Mike Newell was sacked like he was during the close season. Normally managers get eight or ten games to get things right before they go.

"I know consolidation might be what some people might be thinking of and it would keep them happy, but others would be unhappy about it because they want to go higher and that's why this appointment is so crucial.

"I think the club should be looking at the likes of Crewe and Stockport who made a push from the bottom division and established themselves in division one for a few years.

"Hartlepool is similar to those towns in size and there's no reason why the club can't follow them.''

With a welter of names linked with the post Allon added: "It's difficult to say who you would like to see appointed because while there's been a lot of names mentioned, not many have confirmed their interest.

"There's the likes of Colin Todd who has plenty of experience and Tony Mowbray as well who knows the area really well and who had a great playing career.

"He's a local lad and knows the club and how well it is run these days.

"A few of the old boys are interested - do you go for someone who knows the club like Robbie McKinnon?

"Again though, it's all down to the chairman and it's very important to make the right decision to get the man to take the club forward.

"Mike was just getting things prepared for next season and knew what all the players were all about when he went - now if an outsider comes in he will have to get to know them pre-season.''

Defender Mark Robinson yesterday signed a new, one-year contract - and quickly set his sights on division one.

The left back admitted: "I have seen the other lads sign new deals towards the end of last season and I did wonder if I was going to get anything.

"It was a big shock when Mike Newell left and now I hope the chairman gets someone to lead us up to the second division and maybe towards the first.''

* Pool will launch their new home kit on Wednesday.

The club has decided to retire the shirts to mark the promotion season after previously intending to wear it for two seasons and the new design, which will be predominantly blue and white stripes, will be on sale early next month in the club shop.

Read more about Hartlepool here.