FORMER City skipper Graeme Lee is the new boss of Hartlepool.

Lee succeeds Dave Challinor, who left the club to join Stockport last month.

The 43-year-old will be assisted by another one-time Bantams defender, Michael Nelson.

Lee, signed by Stuart McCall in 2008 as captain, played 48 games in his one season at Valley Parade and scored three goals.

He had been Middlesbrough’s under-23 coach before taking the Hartlepool helm.

Hartlepool chairman Raj Singh said: “Graeme and Michael 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."

Lee’s first game in charge will be against Lincoln in the FA Cup this weekend.