Carlisle United's League Two rivals Hartlepool United have appointed a new manager - who used to coach in Cumbria.

Graeme Lee, who has left his coaching role at Middlesbrough to take the top job at Victoria Park, was once with short-lived Carlisle non-league side Celtic Nation.

The former Pools defender was among a number of high-profile recruits at the big-spending Cumbrian club in 2012.

He joined at the same time as players such as Paul Arnison, Adam Boyd and Jeff Smith at Celtic Nation, who were bankrolled by Scottish businessman Frank Lynch but folded three years later.

Lee, whose playing career in luded spells with Hartlepool, Sheffield Wednesday, Doncaster, Bradford, Notts County and Darlington, has most recently been in charge of Boro's Under-23s, but is now Pools' pick to replace Dave Challinor, who left for Stockport last month.

He has been joined by another former Monkey Hangers favourite in Michael Nelson, who will be assistant manager.

They take the reins from former Carlisle midfielder Antony Sweeney after his caretaker stint.

Sweeney will remain part of the backroom team as first-team coach, with another Cumbrian, Jake Simpson, remaining as head of performance. Former Barrow manager Lee Turnbull is also joining Pools "in a consulting capacity" to lead on scouting and recruitment.

Pools are 17th in League Two after five consecutive league defeats. Chairman Raj Singh said Lee's "modern approach" would help the club fulfil their ambitions.

He added: "Graeme and Michael also know this level of football remarkably well having captained various sides in the Football League.

"They are natural leaders and both have a deep connection with our club having played nearly 500 games for Hartlepool United between them.”