HARTLEPOOL United’s rationale for relieving Paul Hartley of his duties as manager has been down to a combination of results on the pitch and growing rifts between certain camps within the club.  

Hartley, who was appointed in June after leaving Cove Rangers, has been sacked by the club after a nine match winless run in League Two leaving them second bottom in the table.  

However, tensions have grown behind the scenes within the club between Hartley and club staff.

It’s suggested those tensions, which has been intensified by Hartley's general conduct, played a role in the club’s decision to sack the former Hearts midfielder alongside the club’s current position in the League Two table.  

Since his appointment, Hartley has been looking to stamp his authority on the team but has failed to strike the right chord with his players.

When asked about how the club would turn their form around after the 2-0 defeat to Sutton United, Hartley told HUFC TV: “You’ve got to try and win matches. That helps. We’ve got to have a bit more about us. A bit more steel. We are too easy to play against.” 

Hartley had made the decision to cast Anthony Sweeney aside from first-team duties with the former Pools midfielder taking on a role within the club’s academy. However, he is expected to be restored to his position within the first-team.  

The Northern Echo also understands that the next appointment will be an interim manager as opposed to appointing someone within the club in caretaker charge. 

As part of a club statement, it read: ‘A further update on succession plans will follow in due course.’