Last remaining original Premier League manager returns to dugout with non-league side leaving Chris Kamara stunned

4 months ago 41

LENNIE LAWRENCE has been appointed caretaker manager of Hartlepool.

The 76-year-old is the last remaining manager from the original Premier League season still in management.

Lennie Lawrence has been appointed Hartlepool caretaker manager[/caption]

Lawrence took charge of Middlesbrough as they were relegated in 19th place in the 1992/93 campaign.

Over three decades on, he will now be back in the dugout for the Monkey Hangers’ home clash with Oxford City on Saturday.

The club have also confirmed they are continuing their search for a new permanent boss after parting ways with John Askey.

Hartlepool are currently 19th in the National League and just four points above the relegation zone following relegation from League Two.

Lawrence, who has been a director at Victoria Park since 2022, previously managed fan-favourite Chris Kamara at Bradford and Middlesbrough.

The former Soccer Saturday star wished him luck on X, formerly Twitter, as he shared his surprise at the news.

Kamara wrote: “My gaffer at Boro and Bradford is back at Hartlepool. It’s unbelievable @JeffStelling. Good luck Lenny.”

After leaving Boro in 1994, Lawrence had spells in charge of Bradford, Luton, Grimsby and Cardiff.

During his coaching career, he has also become one of a select few to manage over 1,000 games.

He has been away from management for over a decade, following a brief two-match stint as Crystal Palace caretaker boss in 2012.