Hartlepool United's hopes of appointing Lee Cattermole as their new manager have been dashed as he has joined National League rivals Gateshead. Cattermole, a former Sunderland and Middlesbrough midfielder, was strongly linked with the Pools managerial vacancy in the aftermath of Nicky Featherstone's departure. However, it was former Newcastle United star Lee Clark who was named as Featherstone's successor earlier this month. Cattermole has now penned a two-year deal at Gateshead's International Stadium and has stressed his focus is on making the most of the opportunity he has been given. He has nothing to prove to Hartlepool United, according to the former midfielder, who has insisted he has to prove himself every day in football. Cattermole's new chairman, Graham Wood, has backed the former Boro midfielder to succeed as he embarks on his managerial career on the south bank of the Tyne. Wood described Cattermole as the 'obvious candidate' for the role and believes the timing is right for the new Heed boss to step into the lead role in the dugout. Cattermole will now come up against his former managerial rival, Lee Clark, when the new campaign gets underway. The 38-year-old has a tough task ahead of him as he looks to make an impact in the National League.