Jonathan Franks calls on Hartlepool United to target Stuart Maynard as hunt for new head coach hots up

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

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

In a statement published on Monday, Pools revealed that "the process of appointing a new head coach is already underway" while de facto director of football Chris Maxwell added it was "an exciting opportunity for the right candidate".