HARTLEPOOL United have gone back to the past in order to revive their flagging fortunes as former boss Neale Cooper stepped into the hot-seat for a second time.

The 48-year-old was again invited to take the Victoria Park reins as a full-time successor to Mick Wadsworth, who was sacked last month after a run of poor results.

Micky Barron, who had previously been in charge of first-team affairs in a caretaker capacity, will continue at the club as reserve-team coach.

Cooper will take over team training and selection with immediate effect ahead of Saturday’s trip to Sheffield United.

Last night, he spoke of his delight after being handed a “fantastic opportunity” by the League One club.

“When I saw the job was available I wrote to the club but I knew there would be a lot of good names in for it, so I was delighted to get the chance to speak with them,” he told the club’s official website.

“When I was asked if I would like the job I had no doubt in my mind, because this is a fantastic opportunity for me.

“I’ve been back a few times to visit friends here and the atmosphere and welcome I’ve received from Hartlepool fans is second to none.”

Cooper’s previous spell at Hartlepool began in 2003 when he was appointed manager after previously enjoying success in Scotland’s lower leagues with Ross County.

He soon hit the ground running and had Pool on the verge of making the League One play-offs final – only for two late goals from Bristol City to defeat them in a heart-breaking semi-final.

The next season saw Hartlepool again march towards the play-off places.

While they did reach the final – which they lost to Sheffield Wednesday – Cooper did not get to be a part of it as he left the club before the league campaign ended.

Cooper went on to manage Gillingham and more recently Peterhead.

However, with what happened before now water under the bridge, both club and manager have decided to see if they can finish off what they started eight years ago.

A statement from Hartlepool United read: “Neale previously left the club several years ago due to personal and family issues which he needed to address at the time. However, he has always indicated a desire to return to the club to continue the good work he did previously.

“The club received many applications for the vacant position and studied all CVs carefully. However, it was decided by appointing Neale, and retaining Micky Barron as the reserve team coach, it would cause minimum disruption to the team's main focus – which is to climb the division and to try and reverse the current trend of home defeats. In addition, Neale is familiar with several of the existing team members and the staff in the office and fully understands the economic constraints the owners have to keep in place due to the current financially-depressed climate.

“Everyone at the club, and we are sure we can also include the fans and people of Hartlepool, wishes Neale success on his return.

“We hope that there will be a big crowd to welcome him back at our next home game on January 2 against Scunthorpe.”

Cooper added: “It’s just so exciting and I can’t wait to get stuck in and meet the lads.”