Hartlepool UNITED have sacked head coach Mick Wadsworth after seven home defeats on the bounce.

Former Newcastle United coach Wadsworth took the Pools job after Chris Turner resigned in August 2010, leading the League One side to a 16th place finish last season.

However, despite an encouraging start to the season which saw Pools briefly flirt with the play-off spots, a wretched home run of defeats, culminating in a 1-0 reverse against Preston North End, proved to be Wadsworth's undoing.

A club statement on the official website read: "It is with regret that Hartlepool United have today relieved Mick Wadsworth of his duties as Head Coach with immediate effect.

"Following a good start to the season, although the away performances have yielded some results, regrettably the last seven home defeats have been of concern and it was felt that a fresh direction was required.

"We would like to wish Mick all the very best for his future career and thank him for his efforts since joining the club in July 2010.

"His contribution and wealth of experience during that time has been greatly appreciated by the chairman, club owners and everyone associated with the club.

"Micky Barron will take temporary charge of first team affairs and the Club will make no further comment."