Pools announced Lee’s exit less than 48-hours before their final game of the season against Colchester United after ‘a significant downturn in results and performances over recent months, despite investment in new players during the January transfer window.’
Lee was in charge for five months at the Suit Direct Stadium after he replaced Dave Challinor in December.
The former Middlesbrough academy man led Pools to League Two safety as well as the fourth round of the FA Cup and the semi-final of the EFL Trophy.
But results have dwindled over recent weeks with Pools winning just one of their last 11 games, which has led to chairman Raj Singh relieving Lee of his duties with just one game remaining. But who is in line to replace Lee?
Here, we take a look at who is being tipped to be the next Hartlepool United manager:
. BLACKBURN, ENGLAND - MARCH 17: Tony Mowbray, Manager of Blackburn Rovers gives their team instructions during the Sky Bet Championship match between Blackburn Rovers and Bristol City at Ewood Park on March 17, 2021 in Blackburn, England. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)
Tony Mowbray remains the bookies favourite to take charge at Hartlepool United (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images) Photo: Clive Brunskill
. Kenny Jackett (25/1)
Jackett was given an ambassadorial role with Watford following his sacking from Leyton Orient in February. Jackett is one of those in the mix to replace Graeme Lee with bookmakers (Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images) Photo: Gareth Copley
. Antony Sweeney (25/1)
Sweeney has had two spells in interim charge of Pools including seven games this season. (Credit: James Holyoak | MI News) Photo: James Holyoak
1. Kenny Jackett (25/1)
Jackett was given an ambassadorial role with Watford following his sacking from Leyton Orient in February. Jackett is one of those in the mix to replace Graeme Lee with bookmakers (Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images) Photo: Gareth Copley
2. Antony Sweeney (25/1)
Sweeney has had two spells in interim charge of Pools including seven games this season. (Credit: James Holyoak | MI News) Photo: James Holyoak
3. David Unsworth (25/1)
Unsworth has made no secret of his desire to land a first team role and has left his position as Everton's academy director and Under-23s manager to do so. (Photo by Charlotte Tattersall/Getty Images) Photo: Charlotte Tattersall
4. Lee Johnson (25/1)
Johnson left Sunderland in January and is one of a number of managers being linked with vacancies across the country right now - including Hartlepool United (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images) Photo: George Wood