The New Saints boss Craig Harrison linked with Hartlepool United job

The 39-year-old – who is preparing his Oswestry-based side for the Welsh Cup final against Bala Town on Sunday – has been highlighted as a candidate take the reins at the League Two side in reports from the North East.

Hartlepool parted ways with Bridgnorth-based former Wolves boss Dave Jones earlier this week and Harrison boasts an impressive CV having led the Saints to consecutive trebles – and would clinch a third with a win on Sunday at the Bangor University Stadium.

He also oversaw a world-record 27-game winning run this season.

Harrison told Clwb Pel-Droed: "I've already told (Saints chairman) Mike Harris that I want to be managing as high as I can, wherever that may be. I'd like to test myself against the best.

"Obviously there's a geographical link as I'm from that region originally. But you have to be doing a decent job in the job you're already in to be linked with another team, so it's great and I'm flattered. There's no doubt that at some point I want to manage as high up as I can, but I don't know when that will be."

Harrison was in attendance for The New Saints' end-of-season awards last night.

Jeff Stelling – TV presenter and club president at Hartlepool – was the guest for the night.

Jones' departure from Pools came just days after Stelling ranted about the club's current situation – being second-bottom in League Two with two games left – on Sky Sports show Soccer Saturday.