Former The New Saints boss Craig Harrison has been sacked as manager of Hartlepool United after a run of poor results in a turbulent season.

Harrison, who won six straight Welsh Premier League titles as Park Hall, left Oswestry in the summer to return to his native north east with the recently-relegated National League side.

But the club recently announced they were in financial dire straits – a crowdfunding was raised to lend support – and Harrison paid the price after defeat to Halifax Town last night.

A statement said: "Hartlepool United have terminated the contract of manager Craig Harrison, who has left the club with immediate effect.

"We appreciate that, in recent months, Craig has had to work in extremely difficult circumstances due to the uncertainty over the club’s future.

"Hartlepool United would like to place on record its thanks to Craig for his hard work and professionalism during this period, and wishes him and his family well for the future.

"The club has already started the process of finding a new manager, but in the meantime Matthew Bates and Paul Jenkins will take charge of training and prepare the team for Saturday’s home game with Ebbsfleet United.

"The club will not be making any further comment at this time."