HARTLEPOOL United have sacked manager Keith Curle.

The decision comes on the back of Tuesday night's last gasp defeat to Newport County which left Pools 22nd in League Two, just a point above the relegation zone.

Chairman Raj Singh said he felt he had to act "to give the club a chance in the final part of the season".

Assistant manager Colin West has also left Pools, with the club placing on record their thanks to both.

The club say they will now "move swiftly to appoint a successor to ensure the team has the best opportunity to maintain our Football League status."

Explaining Curle's sacking, Singh said: “This has been one of the most difficult decisions I’ve had to make at Pools. Keith and Colin in so many ways have improved the football club and our culture. They are both consummate professionals and they have genuinely been a pleasure to work with.

"I will go on record with my thanks to them both and the way that they have conducted business. Unfortunately we have just not seen the required results and I feel we must act now to give the club a chance in the final part of the season.

"Following the transfer window we believe there is a group of players that can secure our place in the league. We will act swiftly and do all that we can to get an immediate and smooth transition in the manager position.”

Curle won six of his 24 games in charge and made 15 signings at the club.