Hartlepool part ways with manager Sarll after 15 games

Darren Sarll oversaw just four wins in his 15 matches in charge at Hartlepool

Hartlepool United have relieved manager Darren Sarll of his duties after just 15 games in charge.

The former Stevenage, Yeovil Town and Woking boss was appointed in April after the club decided not to extend Kevin Phillips' contract.

Sarll's final game saw Pools suffer a 3-1 FA Cup fourth qualifying-round replay defeat at National League North Brackley on Tuesday night, having drawn 1-1 at Victoria Park on Saturday.

Former Middlesbrough boss Lennie Lawrence will take over as interim manager with Pools sitting 16th in the National League, and the club's board promising a further update 'in due course'.

Sarll left Yeovil to take over at Woking in March 2022 but despite leading the Cards to a fourth-placed finish in the National League in 2022-23, was sacked last November after a run of eight defeats in 10 games.

The 41-year-old made a positive start to this season, guiding Pools to seven points from their opening three games, all without conceding a goal.

However a run of six scoreless outings in a seven game stretch which earned just five points saw pressure mount, despite a dramatic come-from-behind win in his last league game in charge against Sutton.

Former Pools boss Phillips was unveiled as AFC Fylde manager last week.