Dave Challinor has this afternoon informed the Hartlepool United Board that he wants to leave and join Stockport County FC.
This follows an approach by Stockport to the manager through his agent during the course of last week, which Hartlepool United were informed of on Friday.
As a club we were disappointed the first approach did not come direct to the club. Also that this was so soon after Dave signed a new three year contract.
We believed we were building something special with Dave and this squad - matched by the magnificent support the team has received, home and away.
Therefore, we declined a request from Stockport for permission to speak with Dave on Sunday.
However, after speaking to him again on Monday, he has verbally notified us of his intention to leave.
Ultimately, it is crucial that the manager of our club is 100% committed to the job. Dave had made it clear he wants to leave.
Coach Anthony Sweeney will take charge of the team for Tuesday’s fixture with Everton and for the immediate future as interim manager while the Board consider its position in relation to this matter.