KEN Hodcroft, the Hartlepool United chairman, will address club shareholders this morning as he starts the search for a new manager.

Pools yesterday sacked Mick Wadsworth from his post as head coach. He signed a new contract in the summer and leaves amid a woeful run of results at Victoria Park, where Pools have lost their last seven games, scoring only once - a penalty - during that stretch.

First-team coach Micky Barron has been placed in temporary charge ahead of the game at Brentford on Saturday.

Pools hold their annual general meeting at 10am today, when Hodcroft and fellow directors are expected to announce the club received around £1m in funding from owners IOR Ltd in 2010.

That would take the total the company have bankrolled Pools to in excess of £13m since they took over from Harold Hornsey in 1997.

While Darlington's search for a new manager is on hold as the future of the club remains uncertain, a number of the candidates interested in the job at The Northern Echo Darlington Arena will also be attracted by the Pools post.

Middlesbrough coach Colin Cooper is keen on becoming a manager and he rejected the chance to take over Quakers after being offered the post.

However, Pools offer the chance to stay in the Football League in League One and that is a more attractive proposition.

Pools' midfielder Nobby Solano was last night at one time 4-1 joint favourite for the post, alongside former Quakers boss Dave Penney before their respective odds shifted to 6-1 and 2-1 favourite. Barron is available at 8-1.

The club statement, released shortly after 2pm yesterday, 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.''

Pools keep their business in-house, but Hodcroft's programme column for last Tuesday's game with Preston hinted towards a change: "The possible causes of our poor home form will be examined in detail in the coming days - especially as we have no match on Saturday.''

Since taking over in September 1997, the next manager will be their eighth full-time appointment.

However, since Danny Wilson was sacked in December 2008, Pools have not installed a permanent manager. Chris Turner was give the title of director of sport, while Wadsworth remained head coach.

Pools generally have a thorough recruitment process to go through when it comes to appointments, although it is understood they have already made progress in appointing a new chief.

"IOR has a process to go through, this (new appointment) won't happen overnight," said Hodcroft after Turner stood down, to be replaced by Wadsworth.