MIKE Newell yesterday joined up again with Kevin Sheedy as the former Everton midfielder was appointed assistant manager at Hartlepool United.

Sheedy and Newell were teammates at Goodison Park and Sheedy, formerly No 2 at Tranmere under John Aldridge, starts his new job this week.

Newell has been helped by Pool youth team coach Martin Scott since his appointment last month and Scott will now revert to his position of youth team manager.

Pool lost 4-0 at Rochdale on Saturday, but Sheedy was lined up before the defeat. Newell said: "When I was offered the job I was asked about an assistant manager and, whatever way we went about it, we had a position to fill.

"I'm delighted to bring Kevin here because I feel he has the necessary attributes to help us move forward. He has played at the highest level, both national and international, and yet he is a very modest, unassuming man.

"He notices things that are going on around him - but he won't just sit back and agree with everything I say - because I wouldn't want that.''

Sheedy, who was one of Kevin Keegan's first signings as Newcastle manager in 1992, was believed to be in the frame to replace Chris Turner as Pool boss.

He is one of a handful of coaches in this country to hold the UEFA 'A' coaching badge - the highest recognised level of coaching. Sheedy earned 41 caps for the Republic of Ireland and he scored against England in the 1990 World Cup.

Sheedy was caretaker manager at Tranmere following Aldridge's departure last year, taking charge for the final 11 games of the season.

He left the club by mutual consent in July last year.

Read more about Hartlepool here.