Former Carlisle United manager Keith Curle has been sacked by League Two strugglers Hartlepool United.

Curle and his assistant Colin West have been axed with the Monkey Hangers deep in relegation trouble.

Curle was only appointed last September on an interim basis and then permanently in December.

But the Bristolian has now left in the wake of a 1-0 home defeat to Newport County on Tuesday night whch did little to ease fears of Pools dropping into non-league.

They are third bottom, a point above the relegation zone - but have played four games more than second-bottom Crawley Town.

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Hartlepool said they would "move swiftly" to appoint a successor - a third manager of the season after 59-year-old Curle and his predecessor Paul Hartley.

"The club would like to place on record its thanks to Keith and Colin and we wish them well for the future," Pools said in a statement.

Chairman Raj Singh added: “This has been one of the most difficult decisions I’ve had to make at Pools.

"Keith and Colin in so many ways have improved the football club and our culture. They are both consummate professionals and they have genuinely been a pleasure to work with.

"I will go on record with my thanks to them both and the way that they have conducted business. Unfortunately we have just not seen the required results and I feel we must act now to give the club a chance in the final part of the season.

"Following the transfer window we believe there is a group of players that can secure our place in the league.

"We will act swiftly and do all that we can to get an immediate and smooth transition in the manager position.”

Pools's statement did not comment on the caretaker position but coach and ex-Carlisle player Antony Sweeney has occupied the role in the past and will be favourite to lead the club in the short term.

The injury-time Newport defeat had seen high-profile Pools fan and broadcaster Jeff Stelling call for a change, with former Carlisle boss and Pools player Chris Beech - who is currently director of football at National League North club AFC Fylde - among the names he suggested to replace Curle in a Twitter post.

Curle managed United from 2014-18 and has since had spells at Northampton Town and Oldham Athletic.

Carlisle did the double over Curle's side this season, beating Hartlepool 3-1 in both league meetings.