Craig Harrison has been sacked as manager of National League side Hartlepool United following a sequence of poor results.

The 40-year-old, who previously enjoyed a highly-successful spell with Welsh Premier League champions TNS, was dismissed by United on Wednesday.

A north east native, Harrison joined Pools in May last year following the club's relegation from the Football League.

An indifferent campaign has left Pools 19th in the league, with Tuesday night's 2-0 reverse at part timers Halifax Town proving to be Harrison's last match in charge.

The manager's efforts to oversee a promotion push were hamstrung by the club's extensive financial troubles.

The full extent of those problems became clear in January, when it was revealed that £200,000 was required to prevent a winding-up order being actioned.

A club statement on Harrison's departure said: "Hartlepool United have terminated the contract of manager Craig Harrison, who has left the club with immediate effect.

"We appreciate that, in recent months, Craig has had to work in extremely difficult circumstances due to the uncertainty over the club’s future.

"Hartlepool United would like to place on record its thanks to Craig for his hard work and professionalism during this period, and wishes him and his family well for the future.

"The club has already started the process of finding a new manager, but in the meantime Matthew Bates and Paul Jenkins will take charge of training and prepare the team for Saturday’s home game with Ebbsfleet United."

A former Premier League defender with Crystal Palace and Middlesborough, Harrison took his first magerial role with Airbus in 2008.

Three years later he joined The New Saints where he led the club to six Welsh Premier League titles, also winning the Welsh Cup on four occasions and the League Cup in each of his last three seasons.