COLIN COOPER has resigned as Hartlepool United manager.

He has stood down as Pools boss following this afternoon's 3-0 thumping at the hands of Carlisle United.

Pools dropped to bottom of the league after the humbling.

And, after just two wins to his name this season, Cooper has walked away from the postion, telling his players immediately after the game and tendering his resignation to chairman Ken Hodcroft.

"We would like to thank Colin for his efforts during the last eighteen months,” said Hodcroft. “We are glad that we gave him his break in management and would like to wish him every success in the future.”

Stephen Pears, Cooper's assistant, is likely to follow his former manager out of the club, although he was not mentioned in the short club statement issued at around 5.50pm this evening.

Centre-half Sam Collins, who has a coaching role at the club, is likely to take charge for Tuesday's game with Sheffield United at Victoria Park in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy. 

He is 3/1 with Sky Bet for the job, while Bet Victor make Richie Barker, the former Pools' striker and Portsmouth boss, even money favourite.