Jeff Stelling was left dumbfounded at Hartlepool's decision to sack Kevin Phillips, who now claims he'd initially been given a new contract offer before being shown the door.

The former Sunderland striker was surprisingly axed on Friday, just three months after landing the manager's job at the National League club.

Phillips was hired when a run of one win in seven games plunged Hartlepool into danger, but he masterminded a comeback with a five-game unbeaten run following his appointment with four wins and a draw.

It didn’t all go his way, with Phillips describing the 7-1 defeat to local rivals Gateshead in March as one of the worst days of his life.

But the team recovered with surprise wins over Halifax and Aldershot which meant they had beaten the drop, going from 16th when he was appointed to 12th place after seven wins in 16 games in charge.

Despite his success in the dugout, though, Hartlepool announced on Friday evening that Phillips had left his post at the end of his contract.

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Supporters were shocked and confused, with the club later announcing former Stevenage, Yeovil and Woking boss Darren Sarll as his replacement on Saturday morning.

None more so than lifelong Pools fan Stelling, who said the unbelievable news left him ‘depressed’ and that his ‘summer was ruined’.

Reacting to the news on Friday, the talkSPORT Breakfast host said: “I think we need to hear what has happened - KP may have got a blinding offer from another club.

“I know none of us think that is the case but I guess we have to wait to hear. Depressed regardless!

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