Carlisle United's League Two rivals Hartlepool United have sacked their manager with one game left of the season.

The north east club have parted company with Graeme Lee and placed ex-Blues man Antony Sweeney in caretaker charge alongside Michael Nelson.

The decision comes near the end of the Monkey Hangers' first season back in the EFL.

Club bosses said it is a response to a poor run of form in recent months.

Pools sit 16th, a point and two places above Carlisle, ahead of their final fixture of 2021/22 at home to Colchester United.

They have won one of their last 11 league games, with directors also citing a lack of goals and a spell without a home win since February as another factor, despite the club's investment in new players in the January transfer window.

Chairman Raj Singh said: “While we had some great results and occasions in cup competitions, unfortunately our league performances have not been good enough with only seven wins since Graeme joined the club, and as a board we have become increasingly concerned by the drop-off in form.

“This has not been an easy decision to make. Graeme is a really good person and he has given everything to the job.

"I would like to place on record my thanks to Graeme for his efforts and I wish him and his family well for the future.

“After achieving promotion back to the Football League last year, we remain ambitious as a club to continue our progress with promotion to League One being our target.”

Former Middlesbrough coach Lee was brought in November after the departure to Stockport County of Dave Challinor, the boss who led them to promotion via the National League play-offs last season.

"The club has made real progress over recent years and I felt it important to make this decision now, so we can get our new manager in place as early as possible to prepare for the new season," Singh added.

Sweeney had a previous spell as caretaker this season between the reigns of Challinor and Lee.

The 38-year-old coach was one Carlisle's books from 2014-16, making 58 appearances and scoring six goals.

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