DAVE JONES has left his post as manager of Hartlepool United.

Folllwing Saturday’s disastrous 2-0 home defeat to Barnet and the club’s subsequent fall into the League Two relegation places, Pools have dumped the manager.

He will be replaced for the final two games of the season internally – with Matthew Bates taking over alongside experienced skipper Billy Payner, with fitness coach Stuart Parnaby joining the duo.

Pools president Jeff Stelling quit his post in protest to the Jones’ regime at the weekend following a passionate rant on Sky Sports.

He has been in constant contact with chairman Gary Coxall since Saturday evening. The news was confirmed in short statement on Monday morning.

Jones leaves following a disastrous stint in charge, taking only 13 points from a possible 51. 

His assistants Kevin Cooper and Alex Armstrong have also departed. 

Bates has been installed as 6/4 favourite for the job with Bet Victor.

Marcus Bignot, recently sacked by Grimsby, is 8/1, former Pools skipper Sam Collins 10/1, ex-Pools chief Ronnie Moore 12s, Paynter 20s and Stelling the 100/1 outsider.