The Victoria Park outfit are once again searching for a new manager after deciding not to renew Mike Newell’s contract, despite him leading them to promotion.
Beardsley, who had a short spell with Pools in 1999, was favourite to be appointed as Chris Turner’s successor when he left for Sheffield Wednesday in November only for chairman Ken Hodcroft to appoint Newell, partly due to Alan Shearer’s recommendation.
This time though the bookies obviously expect Pools to go for an experienced candidate after rookie Newell didn’t work out, and the favourites are Colin Todd, Terry Dolan and Nigel Clough.