New Hartlepool United manager Dave Challinor will have a familiar face alongside him again on the touchline at Ebbslfeet on Saturday after teaming up with Joe Parkinson.
Parkinson, pictured, was named as his assistant manager at Victoria Park this week after the pair worked together at AFC Fylde.
The former Everton midfielder was most recently the first team development coach at League Two Shrewsbury Town.
Parkinson joined Shrewsbury during the summer but felt he couldn’t turn down the opportunity to link-up with Challinor for another National League challenge together.
The 48-year-old was a huge fans’ favourite at Goodison Park where he won an FA Cup winners’ medal in 1995 following their victory over Manchester United.
Since retiring from playing, he has gained a wealth of coaching experience as a youth team coach at Wigan Athletic before progressing through to work with the first team.
Parkinson was on the touchline alongside Challinor for Tuesday’s re-arranged FA Cup tie victory against Yeovil Town, a 4-1 victory at Huish Park.
Luke James, Gavan Holohan, Nicke Kabamba and a Gime Toure penalty provided Challinor with a maiden win in charge, after Lawson D’Ath had given the Glovers a third minute lead.
“I said yesterday that anyone who travelled here must be slightly mad and 101 of them is just amazing,” Challinor told the Hartlepool Mail afterwards.
Antony Sweeney is also set to remain a key part of the new-look set-up under Challinor, taking up a role as first team coach after a successful spell as caretaker following the departure of Craig Hignett in October.
As interim manager, Sweeney’s side were unbeaten in five league games.
Hartlepool United named Challinor as their new manager-in-waiting last week only hours before their National League clash against Solihull Moors.
Challinor had been out of a job for just under a month following his sacking at AFC Fylde after an impressive eight-year tenure.
Under his guidance, the Coasters achieved three promotions, two titles and an FA Trophy success. However, after a poor start to the season, he was shown the door.
Image courtesy of hartlepoolunited.co.uk
