Former Bluebirds man Jones axed by ‘Pool after bust-up with Stelling
JONES AXED AFTER SPAT WITH TV PRESENTER
FORMER Cardiff City boss Dave Jones has been axed as Hartlepool manager amid an extraordinary war of words with Sky Sports presenter Jeff Stelling.
Hartlepool president Stelling called for Jones to resign live on air on Saturday evening before quitting his post with the club in protest over Jones’ regime which has brought just 13 points from a possible 51 and left Hartlepool in the League Two relegation places.
And now the club appear to have taken action, with official confirmation they have parted company coming on Monday morning.
Following Stelling’s outburst, Jones became embroiled in a war of words with the popular Sky man, accusing him of disrespect.
Stelling had said on TV: “Walk now. It’s 13 points from 51, this is not your level of football. “[Finance director] Pam Duxbury, the chairman, Gary Coxall, if he won’t walk then sack him .... do it today.”
Jones responded: “Get rid of me? You got rid of Higgy, Ronnie Moore and everyone else before that. There’s a common denominator here, look at it and figure it out.
“It’s OK Jeff Stelling saying it in his comfy chair. He doesn’t know.
“In fact, it’s a lack of respect for me. Why should he say that? But I’m not listening to people like that, sitting there and judging people. He’s not aware of what’s going on.”
“Don’t forget I’m putting my neck on the line here,” said the former Cardiff manager.
“It’s my reputation, don’t say I don’t care, I do care – a lot. You get the stupid comments that ‘you’ve got no passion’ and all this crap that goes with it. That’s rubbish, that’s not right.
“Then you get people like Jeff Stelling passing comments like that because he’s on national TV.
“So he’s right? No he’s not. He’s no right to say it, that’s not his position to say it
“I never criticise him when he makes a mistake or whatever. He’s such a big hero, but I’ll go up against him.
“Does he say it about anyone else? Wenger? It’s not his job, his job is to report. He hasn’t phoned me – a few weeks ago he’s sat in my office crowing about us going five games without losing, how we’ve changed it around. What’s changed? I haven’t changed or has he forgotten that? I’m fighting for my life, how about a bit of support Jeff, rather than the rubbish you are giving out?”
Senior player Matthew Bates is set to take charge assisted by club captain Billy Paynter and coach Stuart Parnaby for Saturday’s trip to Cheltenham.
A Hartlepool statement said: “Hartlepool United can confirm that Dave Jones has left his position as First Team Manager by mutual consent.
“Assistant Managers Alex Armstrong and Kevin Cooper have also departed The Northern Gas and Power Stadium with immediate effect.
“The Club would like to place on record its thanks to Jones, Armstrong and Cooper for their efforts and wish them every success in the future.
“Matthew Bates will now take charge for the final two games of the season, assisted by Billy Paynter, Stuart Parnaby and Ian Gallagher.”