Hartlepool United have appointed caretaker boss Lennie Lawrence, 76, as manager until the end of the season.

The veteran has managed over 1,000 matches but has not held a manager position since being sacked by Cardiff City in 2005.

He stepped up from assistant manager on a caretaker basis at the National League side last month after Darren Sarll was sacked following the FA Cup fourth qualifying round defeat by Brackley.

Lawrence, whose first managerial appointment came at Charlton Athletic in 1982, drew two and won one of his three games in temporary charge.

He will now work alongside former Woking boss Anthony Limbrick, who has joined as head coach, and Gavin Skelton, who has been appointed first-team coach.

“It’s been a very thorough and professional process that the board has conducted, and it’s a decision we’re very excited about,” Lawrence told the club website.

“A lot went into it and one of the priorities was a long-term plan, and the idea is to offer my experience where possible to develop the rest of the team.”

Hartlepool are 15th in the National League and travel to leaders York City on Saturday.