Hartlepool Sack John Hughes

Hartlepool have terminated the contract of John Hughes following their relegation down to League Two. The north east club only appointed Hughes back in November, after Neale Cooper had stepped down following a shocking start to the campaign, but he now finds himself out in the wilderness along with reserve-team coach Micky Barron.

Hughes - who left Scottish side Livingston to take charge of Pools - was unable to save the struggling club from relegation at the end of the season. After their grizzly fate was confirmed Hughes immediately spoke of his desire to mount a promotion charge next season and make an instant return to League One. However, the owners have seen otherwise and will now begin the search for a new manager.

The Next Hartlepool Manager Odds aren't available at the time of writing but on Thursday evening Graham Kavanagh emerged as the leading contender to succeed Hughes at Victoria Park. The 39-year-old his currently working as an assistant manager of League One side Carlisle United but could now be on the brink of making the step up to his first manager appointment.