Craig Hignett has left his position as Hartlepool manager by mutual consent following a run of one win from nine games.
The 47-year-old, who was in his first managerial post after replacing Ronnie Moore at Victoria Park in February 2016, leaves the club 19th in Sky Bet League Two.
He steered Pools away from the drop zone last season, eventually finishing 16th, but they currently sit just four points above the bottom two after Saturday's 1-0 defeat at Crawley.
Hartlepool chairman Gary Coxall told the club's official website: "I would like to place on record my thanks to Craig for all of his efforts.
"He has given everything for the club during his time in charge and he leaves with our very best wishes for the future.
"The search for a new manager will begin immediately and it won't be a long, drawn-out process - we want to get the right man appointed as quickly as possible."
Sam Collins, the club's under-21 manager, has been placed in temporary charge of first-team duties.
Source: PA
