Monday 24 April 2017 12:37, UK
Dave Jones has been sacked as manager of Sky Bet League Two side Hartlepool United.
Jones won just three of his 17 matches after succeeding Craig Hignett as the Pools manager on January 18.
The 2-0 home defeat to Barnet on Saturday saw Hartlepool drop to 23rd place and leaves them facing a fight to stay in the Football League with only two matches remaining.
Current first-team player Matthew Bates has been placed in control for the final two games against fellow strugglers Cheltenham (A) and already-promoted Doncaster (H).
"Hartlepool United can confirm that Dave Jones has left his position as first team manager by mutual consent," a club statement read.
"Assistant managers Alex Armstrong and Kevin Cooper have also departed The Northern Gas and Power Stadium with immediate effect.
"The club would like to place on record its thanks to Jones, Armstrong and Cooper for their efforts and wish them every success in the future.
"Matthew Bates will now take charge for the final two games of the season, assisted by Billy Paynter, Stuart Parnaby and Ian Gallagher."
