What happened: Clark stepped down with immediate effect after Hartlepool's 3-1 home loss to Worthing. The defeat was Hartlepool United's third straight and their sixth in seven National League matches.

Why it matters: The change leaves Hartlepool searching again for a manager as the club tries to halt its early-season slide. Pools had dropped to 18th before the afternoon kick-offs in the National League.

What to watch: Hartlepool now must appoint an interim or permanent replacement for their next stretch of league matches. The immediate question is whether a coaching change can stop the skid.