Lee Clark has resigned as head coach of Hartlepool United following a disappointing 3-1 home defeat to Worthing. This loss marked the third consecutive defeat for the team and their sixth in just seven matches, leaving them languishing in 18th place in the National League.

Clark, who took charge at Victoria Park last summer after a brief tenure at Rotherham United, faced mounting pressure from fans during Saturday's match as the team's poor performance continued.

In a statement to BBC Radio Tees, Clark expressed his disappointment:

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, but I haven't been able to do that unfortunately.

He added:

I was excited to take the job and I wanted to be the man to get them back to where they need to be and deserve to be, but it hasn't worked out.

The club, which was taken over in January by American businessman Landon Smith, aims to end its four-year stay in the National League. With Clark's departure, the search now begins for their ninth permanent manager or head coach during this challenging period outside the English Football League.