Former Sunderland boss Jack Ross has been linked with a shock return to the North-East with Hartlepool United. The Hartlepool Mail claims Ross was high up on their managerial wish list but has distanced himself from the role.
Ross, who guided Sunderland to the League One play-off final in his first year in charge of the club, was most recently at Scottish Premiership side Hibernian, but was axed from his role in December after a poor run of games. The Scot had qualified for European football with the Hibees, but they were knocked out of the Europa Conference League qualifying rounds.
The former Black Cats boss still lives in the North East after his tenure at Sunderland and was in attendance at the testimonial for former Sunderland kitman John Cooke last weekend. Hartlepool's search for a manager is continuing after they parted company with Graeme Lee at the end of last season.
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Ross is no stranger to Hartlepool United, having played for the club in 2004 making 31 appearances. It's believed that Ross has distanced himself from the role and is waiting for the right job, with his stock still high despite being sacked from his two previous roles.