English League Two outfit Hartlepool United have sacked Paul Hartley after just THREE months with the club languishing second-bottom of the fourth-tier.
Hartley, who played for Hibs, Hearts, Aberdeen and Celtic amongst others throughout his time in Scottish football, joined Pools in June after leaving Cove Rangers despite leading them to the Scottish Championship. With no shorter than four Scottish promotions under his belt, the County Durham-based side were expected to march on and challenge for League One promotion.
But despite being appointed at the start of June, just one win in 11 games - including none in the league - has seen the Victoria Park outfit fall into the relegation zone, with fans becoming impatient with Hartley. And after a 2-0 loss at London-based outfit Sutton United on Saturday, club chiefs acted upon their impatience with the slow start to the season by showing Hartley the exit door.
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"Hartlepool United can today confirm that they have parted company with Manager Paul Hartley and Assistant Manager Gordon Young," a statement read.
"A decision was taken to make a change with the club currently sitting second from bottom in League Two and without a league win so far this season. A further update on succession plans will follow in due course."
Hartley won six trophies in his time as a player in Scotland, winning one trophy apiece with Hibs and Hearts before cleaning up with four awards at Celtic under Gordon Strachan.
The 25-time Scotland midfielder will look at his first venture into English football with dismay as he finds himself on the footballing scrapheap for the first time in four years.
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