THE race to become Hartlepool United's new manager took an unexpected twist yesterday as leading bookmaker Victor Chandler added a new name to his market.

Colin Cooper and Darrell Clarke might be joint-favourites to replace Neale Cooper at 4-1, but it was the identity of the man at 1,000-1 that was dominating discussions in the pubs and clubs of Hartlepool.

Nick Loughlin, sports editor of The Northern Echo, has made it on to the bookmaker's list of contenders for the position.

Loughlin, 40, whose only previous managerial experience saw him make a poor job of leading the Northern Echo five-a-side team at the Media Mastiers tournament, has refused to comment on his candidature.

However, anyone wanting to place a flutter with Victor Chandler will be supporting a charitable cause if he is overlooked by the Pools hierarchy.

A spokesman for Victor Chandler said: "We are not exactly expecting a flood of money on Nick, but we are aware of his love for Pools and thought why not introduce him into the betting for the next manager at Victoria Park at 1,000-1.

"If we do take any money at that price, we will give the money to a charity of The Northern Echo's choice, but if Sven-Goranb Eriksson is priced at 33s, then maybe Nick looks good value."