NEW Hartlepool United boss Martin Scott last night received the news he didn't want to hear, when Chris Westwood confirmed he is leaving Victoria Park, writes Nick Loughlin.

Westwood is planning a return to his native midlands and, despite making it his first task since his appointment at the weekend, Scott was unable to convince him to stay in the North-East.

A deal at Walsall is likely and the defender, who moved to Pool in 1999, confessed: "It's been one of the hardest decisions I have ever made.

"Hartlepool has been my home for six years and I have never had any problems; it's always been good but at the end of the day the choice had to be made and it's been heart-wrenching.

"I have spoken to Ritchie Humphreys about it on the phone and told him I feel like my heart has been ripped out but that's life and hopefully things will work out for myself and the club."

Westwood's contract expires on June 30 and Pool won't receive a transfer fee. Swindon, Luton, Stockport and Bristol Rovers are also interested in his services, but the Bescot Stadium looks to be his destination. Scott has former Sunderland defender Ben Clark among his ranks, but will seek a replacement for Westwood, 28, who missed only a handful of games over the last six seasons.

Read more about Hartlepool here.