OUTGOING Newcastle United goalkeeper Steve Harper has distanced himself from the vacant manager's job at Hartlepool United.

Harper is set to play his last game for the Magpies against Arsenal on Sunday as his contract expires in the summer.

The 38-year-old was linked with the Pools job at the weekend after John Hughes was relieved of his duties.

The Easington-born stopper is coy over the next chapter in his career, but admitted he had not had any contact from club officials.

"I am doing my coaching badges and I know Ken Hodcroft [chairman] and Russ Green [chief executive], but I think people are putting two and two together and getting five," Harper said.

"I've got family in Hartlepool and I probably go to a couple of games a season.

"I've not heard anything about it. I do have family there and there have obviously been whispers whether I would be interested. Hartlepool is a great club, of course I'd be interested, but it's whether it's a bit too early.

"Someone said I was 5-1 on Saturday. I've not been putting money on it, but I wouldn't rule anything out in the future."

Middlesbrough youth team coach Colin Cooper remains the front-runner to take over at Victoria Park.

Harper added: "Colin Cooper has been linked with the job. He's a great guy and a real football gentleman. He's a local lad that will know the club and he's been in coaching a long time."