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Ex-Middlesbrough midfielder tipped for head coach job after non-league departure

Pete Wild has backed former Adam Clayton to go on and become a head coach in the EFL in the near future, despite his departure from the Hartlepool United coaching staff…

By Dominic Shaw · The Northern Echo

Published: Saturday, 14 November 2026 at 5:00 AM

Key Things to Know

Pete Wild backed Adam Clayton to become an EFL manager within the next two to three years.
Clayton departed Hartlepool United's coaching staff following backroom staffing reductions under manager Pete Wild.
Wild retained Gary Liddle over Clayton primarily due to Liddle's local knowledge of the area and club.

The Story in 60 Seconds

Hartlepool United manager Pete Wild has backed former Middlesbrough midfielder Adam Clayton to become an EFL head coach within the next two to three years. Clayton recently left his coaching role at the National League club following staffing adjustments under Wild, who retained Gary Liddle instead due to Liddle's local knowledge.

Clayton originally joined Hartlepool during the summer as part of Lee Clark's backroom staff before briefly serving as caretaker manager in September alongside Liddle. Wild explained that club staffing constraints forced the decision to part ways with Clayton, praising his contributions and insisting the move was purely strategic.

Read the full article on The Northern Echo