TERRY Dolan may bounce straight back in to management with promoted Hartlepool United.

He has been installed as favourite to take over from Mike Newell, who was axed on Friday - the same day as Dolan was relieved of his duties at Bootham Crescent.

Dolan had been previously linked with Rochdale, but the Spotland outfit have handed former Grimsby Town manager Alan Buckley the chance to put together dale's promotion bid for next season.

No decision on Newell's successor is expected until next week at the earliest with former Exeter boss Neil McNab, ex-Hartlepool player Gordon Watson and former Darlington bosses Brian Little and Dave Hodgson in contention.

There is also considerable media seculation in West Yorkshire that Dolan could return to Huddersfield Town as manager.

He was reserve team boss at the McAlpine Stadium before being appointed manager at City.

The struggling Terriers are still in adminstration and have just been relegated to Division Three.

Dolan is an expert at working on a limited budget and could be tempted to go back to Town.

Disappointed Dolan is set to take advice from the League Managers' Association following his departure from Bootham Crescent.

Dolan, along with assistant Adie Shaw, was relieved of the managerial reins as part of the cost-cutting measures put in place since the Supporters' Trust took over the club.

However, Dolan, who had helped guide York to the brink of a play-off place despite months of financial uncertainty, will be speaking to the managers' union over the matter.

Dolan said: "Coming so soon after having received the Tyne Tees TV award for Special Achievement (for the teams performances last season) to describe myself as disappointed is something of an understatement.

"I know Adie Shaw feels the same. I am particularly disappointed because I was relishing the challenge of managing a real community club and taking on the Third Division with a team of youngsters.

"I, perhaps more than most, fully understand the financial problems of lower division football and felt my experience would help the new owners who had not been involved in football before.

"I, of course, understand the need to cut costs but paying both Adie and myself to stay at home whilst paying some one else to do our jobs seems a funny way to go about it. I am now seeking the advice of the League Managers Association."

Despite his obvious disappointment at his departure from Bootham Crescent, Dolan has paid 'tribute' to both the players and the fans, wishing City the best for next season.

"Both Adie and I regret not having the opportunity to say a personal goodbye to the players," he added. "I would, however, like to take this opportunity to thank each and every one of them and the backroom staff for their help and loyalty throughout the period of my time at York City.

"In particular I would wish to record my admiration for the players who, despite the financial hardships and uncertainty of the administration kept York City afloat with performances which were never less than whole hearted and at times exceptional. Each and every one of them deserves the gratitude of York City's loyal band of supporters.

"I would also, of course, like to pay tribute to those supporters. They may be a relatively small band but their support was greatly appreciated by us all during the dark days of the administration.

"I am grateful to have had the opportunity to manage the club and notwithstanding our current disappointment myself and Adie wish it, players, backroom staff and supporters every success for the future."

Updated: 11:53 Monday, June 02, 2003