Photo via BBC Sport

Clark resigns as Hartlepool boss in post-match interview

Lee Clark has stepped down as Hartlepool United manager right after his side fell 3-1 against Worthing at Victoria Park. The setback marked three consecutive losses and six defeats across their past seven fixtures, dropping the team to 18th place in the National League ahead of the later fixtures.

With supporters demanding his exit during the match, the former Newcastle, Sunderland, and Fulham midfielder announced his instantaneous departure to BBC Radio Tees, acknowledging his failure to bring success and return the squad to where it belonged despite his initial enthusiasm upon taking the reins in the summer after a brief stint at Rotherham United.

The former Huddersfield Town and Birmingham City boss leaves Hartlepool searching for their ninth full-time manager during a four-year absence from the Football League. That quest now falls to American investor Landon Smith, who bought the County Durham outfit in January with ambitions of finally achieving promotion back into the EFL.