CRAIG Hignett has been sacked as Hartlepool United manager.

Saturday’s woeful 1-0 defeat at Crawley Town was his final game in charge after being appointed last February.

He leaves with Pools slumbering in 19th spot in League Two, with just 27 points from 26 games. Hignett won 15 of his 52 games in charge.

Hignett’s right hand man Curtis Fleming left the club last month for QPR, and he was unable to appoint a replacement.

Chairman Gary Coxall was at yesterday's game and last night tweeted his disappointment at the performance and result. 

A cliub statement later confirmed the news: "I would like to place on record my thanks to Craig for all of his efforts.

"He has given everything for the Club during his time in charge and he leaves with our very best wishes for the future.

"The search for a new Manager will begin immediately and it won’t be a long, drawn-out process – we want to get the right man appointed as quickly as possible.”

Dave Jones, the former Wolves and Southampton boss, went from 16/1 to 1/3 with bookmakers Betvictor and the book is now closed. 

Sam Collins has been placed in temporary charge.