The Paul Stephenson saga is almost over, with the former Newcastle man ready to take up his coaching role at Carrow Road - officially. Stephenson was in the City directors' box for the win over Coventry last weekend, in the dug-out at Blackpool on Tuesday and has been fully involved in training at Colney - even though his club, Hartlepool, had not sanctioned his departure.

The Paul Stephenson saga is almost over, with the former Newcastle man ready to take up his coaching role at Carrow Road - officially.

Stephenson was in the City directors' box for the win over Coventry last weekend, in the dug-out at Blackpool on Tuesday and has been fully involved in training at Colney - even though his club, Hartlepool, had not sanctioned his departure.

However, City boss Glenn Roeder appears to have got his man.

“I think it has just about been resolved - we will loan them a player or two when we can that hopefully can help them out,” he said.

“I just thought it took longer than it should have done.”

Stephenson's arrival at City, who have been without a coach since Martin Hunter left in the summer, has been followed by reports linking Roeder with Hartlepool winger James Brown.

The 20-year-old is also said to be interesting Hull, Watford, Sheffield United and Tottenham, and was apparently targeted by Glasgow Rangers in the summer.

“Paul Stephenson has brought a great insight into all their players,” said Roeder. “I think there are one or two players being watched by many other teams at Hartlepool.

“At the moment we are just listening to what Paul is saying then we'll make our own minds up. We have a small scouting network, but our scouts are out every weekend, every midweek, looking at players with the potential to bring here. I am sure we will cover Hartlepool like we cover anyone else.”