FORMER Scotland defender Willie Donachie has been sacked as assistant manager of Hartlepool ?? after only 45 days in the job.

FORMER Scotland defender Willie Donachie has been sacked as assistant manager of Hartlepool ?? after only 45 days in the job.

Donachie, who won 35 caps for his nation in the 1970s, was relieved of his duties along with the club's manager Paul Murray, who had only taken over from Colin Cooper in October.

The club are six points adrift at the foot of League 2 and were knocked out of the FA Cup last week, losing 2-1 at home to Blyth Spartans.

Donachie, 63, stepped down as manager of Newcastle reserves earlier this year after managing Millwall in season 2006/07.