Hartlepool United sack manager Paul Murray

Hartlepool United have confirmed that they have sacked manager Paul Murray and assistant manager Willie Donachie.

Their departures come after the team's shock defeat by non-league Blyth Spartans in the FA Cup second round on Friday night.

Hartlepool also remain rooted to the bottom of the League Two table, six points adrift of safety.

Sam Collins has been placed in temporary charge of the first team.

Murray, who was appointed at Victoria Park on October 23 following the departure of Colin Cooper, won just one of his seven games as manager.