'I resign' - Lee Clark delivers bombshell statement after Hartlepool United defeat

Lee Clark has sensationally resigned from his role as Hartlepool United head coach just minutes after his side extended a poor run of form with a home defeat against National League newcomers Worthing.

The former Newcastle United and Sunderland midfielder was under major pressure ahead of Saturday lunchtime’s home clash with the Rebels after his side suffered five defeats in their last six league games - and that run was extended by yet another loss against Worthing. A goal from summer signing Will Harris was all Pools had to show from the day as the visitors landed all three points at Victoria Park thanks to goals from Cory Adjetey-Brew, Ricky Aguiar and Jose Marquez.

Speaking within minutes of the full-time whistle, Clark revealed he was stepping down from his role at the club and insisted he felt there would be ‘no coming back’ after the full-time whistle drew an understandably angry response from the vast majority of those inside The Vic.

Speaking in his post-match press conference, Clark said: “There was no reaction to the result or the performance. All I want to say is I resign from my position with immediate effect. I wanted to give this club and the fans something to be proud of, what they deserve. I haven’t been able to do that unfortunately. I know what this club means, I said it at the start when I got the job. I was excited to take it and I wanted to be the man that got them back where they need to be and deserve to be. It hasn’t worked out. You’ve heard the reaction of the supporters. I took a long time out of the game and I wasn’t going to be coming back and getting an atmosphere like that. It’s not going to change and it’s not nice for the family and friends to listen to that.

‘I wish’

In a short press conference that consisted of just a solitary question, Clark went on to wish his successor well as Pools now look for their third manager of Landon Smith’s ownership and thanked key figures around the club for the support they had shown him during their three-and-a-half month reign at the club.

He said: “I wish whoever takes the job on success. I wish the fans all of the best. They’re a magnificent group of people. The people in behind the scenes, my staff, the people in the offices, they’re absolutely brilliant and the support I’ve had from the chairman, the owner, Chris Maxwell, it’s been fantastic. But you have to understand in this game, I’m nearly 54, you have to understand when things aren’t going your way.”

Pools will now have a week to put an interim management team in place before they travel to Scunthorpe United before hosting Harrogate Town at Victoria Park just three days later.

Your next Hartlepool United read: Pressure rises on Hartlepool United head coach Lee Clark after Worthing defeat