The reasons why Hartlepool United's decision to part company with Graeme Lee is harsh including the form of former Sunderland striker and ex-Norwich City defender

It’s a question which is going to be asked for quite some time over the summer, or at least until Pools are able to confirm the new man in charge.

And it is a question which is quite nuanced in the answers you try to provide.

From the outset, this looks like a harsh decision to sack a manager who succeeded in achieving the objective in which the club tasked him with.

Peel back some of those layers however, and there is some justification to the decision.

And having looked at some of the reasons why the decision might have been made, it’s now time to consider why this could be considered the wrong decision.

Mission accomplished

No matter which way you look at it, Lee achieved what he was brought in to do by securing Pools’ League Two status. That cannot be denied.

Not only did Lee secure Pools’ EFL status, he managed it with ease with Pools some 17 points above the relegation zone.

While many may contest the groundwork was done by previous manager Dave Challinor, Lee’s record of 31 points from 26 league games would still be on course for safety over the 50 point mark.

Where the end of season form has undoubtedly been frustrating, as a newly promoted side from the National League staying in the division has to be the goal.

Perhaps you could look at Sutton United and compare their season to Pools’ with the U’s very much in play-off contention, but there is a caveat in that this is their first season at this level.