Craig Hignett believes Hartlepool United owner Landon Smith being 'badly advised'

Just nine games into the National League season, Pools, who were touted as potential title contenders ahead of the campaign, are on the hunt for a new head coach following Lee Clark's explosive resignation.

Clark, who was only appointed in May, announced his decision in the immediate aftermath of Saturday's 3-1 loss at home to newly-promoted Worthing, his side's sixth defeat in their last seven matches.

In a statement on Monday, Pools confirmed that assistant head coach Adam Clayton as well as first team coach Gary Liddle were set to take charge of the team on an interim basis ahead of Saturday's trip to Scunthorpe United, who have themselves endured a challenging start to the new campaign.