Clint Hill has joined Bristol Rovers’ League Two rivals Hartlepool United as assistant manager, nine weeks after leaving the Gas.
Hill was named Joey Barton’s No2 upon the 39-year-old’s appointment in February with the former QPR and Rangers teammates holding a close bond for several years.
Barton admitted he was left “gutted” by Hill’s departure ahead of the opening weekend of the season, citing a "family issue", with the centre-back then returning to his home on Merseyside.
Hill was first spotted at training with Hartlepool in September, with the League Two side managed by his former Tranmere Rovers central defensive partner Dave Challinor.
Hartlepool assistant Joe Parkinson left the club last month and after several weeks of training sessions and attending matches, Hill’s appointment has been confirmed.
“It was always going to be difficult to replace Joe but I think Clint will certainly add to the management dynamic we’ve got within the group,” Challinor said.
“He came in with us a few weeks back, with nothing really in it, for a few days as he’d gone round some clubs. I obviously played with him as a player and have kept in touch with him.
“I tried to sign as a player towards the end of his career when I was at my previous club and he went to Carlisle funnily enough.
“He got involved with Joey (Barton) at Fleetwood and then went to Bristol Rovers. He’s left there and he’s been doing his pro license so we’ve been chatting over the past few weeks so I’m delighted he’s decided to come in and be involved with us.
“I’m sure he will be a huge asset and we’re really looking forward to it.”
Hartlepool lie eighth in League Two, four points above Rovers.
Since Hill’s exit, Barton has brought in one of his former coaches at QPR, Kevin Bond, who has been alongside him, Andy Mangan and Kevin Maher in the Rovers dugout since August 21.
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