PAUL INCE is the bookmakers’ favourite to be the next Hartlepool United manager, but he is a long way from being appointed.

The former Middlesbrough, Liverpool and England midfielder has not managed since he was sacked by Blackpool in January 2014.

And, while he is keen to make a return to management and has been seriously considered at Victoria Park in recent weeks, it is understood that there has been no desire to appoint him.

Ince is well aware of the state of the club, which is up for sale and close to financial meltdown and is distancing himself from the post. He is as short as 5/4 with betvictor, with caretaker boss Matthew Bates 6/4.

Harrison was sacked yesterday, hours after Pools lost meekly at Halifax. He had a meeting with the club’s head of performance Paul Watson at the club’s training ground and terms were agreed on his departure. It is understood he admitted to club officials after Tuesday’s game that he knew his time was up.

Defeat left them 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.

Bates and Paul Jenkins, Harrison’s assistants, will take training at the club’s Durham training base this morning and be in charge of Saturday’s home game with Ebbsfleet.

With the whole future of the club up in the air, it may be that no permanent appointment will come soon.

Among the names linked are Phil Brown, the former Pools defender who was recently sacked by Southend and this week rejected the chance to take over at Grimsby.

Pools stood back from making a move for Paul Cox in the summer when he was under contract at Barrow. Since then he has been appointed Guiseley boss, but recently left and is available.

Ronnie Moore, the former Pools boss would relish at return to Victoria Park.

He watched Pools’ recent home defeat to Wrexham and said: “They need some experience, no disrespect to young lads coming through.

“People will say I’m begging for a job - I’m not - it’s just my view having had over 40 years experience in the game as a player, coach, manager that the club needs an experienced manager.

“It’s a huge challenge. You put a young kid in charge and it is a recipe for disaster, there are loads of experienced managers out there who could do a job there.

“They have to dust themselves down, get out there and give what they can for the supporters, the town, the club and make sure you stay in that league on points and that if the worst happens a points deduction doesn’t take you out of the league.

“I’m sat at home doing nothing but I’m not begging for a job on my hands and knees, I am out of work but I have all that experience.

“If they want me to come in and help, then great. I don’t want to put my feet up, I want to be involved in football - I’m no good at golf.’’

Confirming his sacking, 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.’’