HARTLEPOOL United have sacked manager Paul Hartley after nine games without a win in League Two this season.

Hartley, who was appointed as Pools boss in the summer leaving his job as manager of Scottish side Cove Rangers, has suffered five defeats and four draws in the league. His last game in charge was a 2-0 defeat away to Sutton United.

With the club sitting second bottom in the league, the hierarchy have seen fit to change their manager meaning the Scotsman’s reign in England has come to a premature end. His assistant Gordon Young also departs the club.

The former Hearts midfielder succeeded Graeme Lee as boss after he was sacked before the final game of last season. It appears to be a gamble that has not paid off by the club who have won just one game out of their last 20 in the league in a run that stretches to last season.

Hartley has overseen a sweeping overhaul of the squad in the summer signing 16 players. However, the losses of Luke Molyneux, Timi Odusina, Omar Bogle and Neill Bryne have been felt this season.

Chairman Raj Singh, who was hoping to see his side mount a play-off push this season, has seen his side fall well short of expectation and have made the decision to relieve Hartley of his duties.

With Pools heading into their Papa John’s Trophy tie against League One Morecambe on Tuesday evening, the club are yet to name a caretaker boss. However, Anthony Sweeney is expected to handle first-team duties having been in caretaker charge of number of times over the years.