CRAIG HARRISON has left his position as Hartlepool United manager.

Following Tuesday’s 2-0 defeat at Halifax, Pools have this morning parted company with their boss, who was appointed in May.

Harrison was resigned to his fate and leaves with Pools floundering in 19th position in the National League table, three points in front of the relegation zone and with only two wins in their last 15 games.

They have won only nine times in 33 league games this season and were knocked out of the FA Trophy in the first round, losing at Workington.

A club statement read: "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.''

Harrison has operated against a backdrop of financial troubles in recent months, with the club on the brink of administration and facing a very uncertain future after owners Sage Investments opted to stop funding the operation.

He came in for intense criticism from the travelling fans after Tuesday’s loss and said: “I understand the frustrations, we’ve not won as many games as we should and I would never, as manager of this club hide from the facts.

"I’m not a coward, I’m accountable and the frustrations are there for all to see.

“It’s life and how it is. If things aren’t going well you have to accept that – it’s not all roses and rainbows, it’s the situation we are in.’’