HARTLEPOOL United have confirmed the appointment of Keith Curle as interim manager following the sacking of Paul Hartley earlier today.

Curle is expected to take over for the foreseeable future on a deal that is understood could run until the end of the season. He will be joined by Pools winger Colin West as his assistant whilst Antony Sweeney has been restored into his role as first-team coach after being cast aside by Hartley.

The 58-year-old has been in charge of Chester City, Torquay United, Notts County, Carlisle United, Northampton Town and Oldham Athletic. He has over 600 games in the dugout and gained success during his time in charge of the Cobblers leading them to promotion from League Two via the play-offs in 2020.

It's understood the appointment of an interim manager was to not put pressure on Antony Sweeney who would have had to take caretaker role without any assistance until a successor was appointed. 

Chairman Raj Singh said: "We fully recognise the need to act decisively and quickly given our position. Keith has a lot of experience and know how at this level, including turnarounds and achieving promotion into League One with a side just two years ago. 

"He has a profile that we believe is needed at this time to immediately step in, sure things up and start moving the team forward again. He has already spoken to Tony Sweeney today, who has previously done caretaker duties, to ask him to re-join the first team coaching staff and alongside Colin they will hit the ground running this week."

Curle becomes the club’s fourth permanent manager since their return to the Football League and has been tasked with steering Pools away from the League Two relegation zone after going nine games without a win this season.

His first game in charge will be this weekend against Gillingham at the Suit Direct Stadium. Sweeney will be in charge for Tuesday evening’s Papa John’s Trophy tie against League One side Morecambe.