PAUL MURRAY has been sacked as Hartlepool United manager after Friday night's FA Cup exit at the hands of non-league Blyth Spartans.

The club announced the news on Saturday morning with Pools rock bottom of League Two. Assistant manager Willie Donachie has also been dismissed.

Friday's FA Cup humiliation was Murray's fifth defeat in seven games. His only victory was a first round FA Cup win over East Thurrock United, while they also drew with Newport County.

He was allowed to sign eight players, during his time in charge and leaves the club with Pools cut adrift at the foot of the Football League.

Sam Collins, who was caretaker boss after Colin Cooper's exit, is likely to be installed as the club's next permanent boss. He has been appointed caretaker and will take training at the club's Maiden Castle base. 

 

A short statement on the club website read: "Hartlepool United can announce that Manager Paul Murray and Assistant Manager Willie Donachie have been released from their contracts.

"Sam Collins has been placed in temporary charge of First Team affairs.

"The Club will be making no further comment at this time."

Murray had spent just 45 days in charge.

The 38-year-old former Pools midfielder oversaw seven games in the Victoria Park hot-seat having taken over from Colin Cooper.

Murray's record is five defeats, one win and a draw during his brief reign with the club.

He cut a downbeat figure on Friday evening as he spoke to the press. 

He said: “We did well first half, created some openings. Went one-up, should have scored a couple, came out second half and were even worse than we have been of late. There’s not enough passion, desire and effort.

“It was diabolical; the second half was just not good enough. If I knew what it was down to I would be telling them. We didn’t show enough desire, we were short.

“Personally it hurts. I played with passion, desire, commitment and relishing the challenge and second-half we didn’t have enough.

“I cannot go out there and do it, they have to take responsibility. They have to do everything they can. We look after them, they get looked after, but they aren’t producing.“