Matthew Bates leaves his role as manager of Hartlepool United

Hartlepool United have announced Matthew Bates has left his role as first team manager with immediate effect.
Pools sit 13th in the National League, eight points adrift of the play-offs and have lost their last six league games.
A crowd of just over 1,700 turned out at Victoria Park last night as Bates’ side were beaten 2-1 by AFC Fylde.
Bates was given the role on a full-time basis in the summer after successfully avoiding relegation as caretaker boss.
A club statement read: “The Club would like to place on record its thanks to Matthew for all his hard work and, in particular, the role he played in helping steer the team clear of danger during difficult circumstances last season.
“We will be making a further statement in due course.”