HARTLEPOOL United manager and ex-Premier League footballer Craig Hignett has avoided a driving ban after being caught speeding on an A-road at more than 100mph.

Northallerton magistrates said the former midfielder, who made 155 appearances for Middlesbrough and played for Darlington, Hartlepool and Leicester, stood to lose his job and would suffer “exceptional hardship” if his driving licence was taken away.

The court had heard the 46-year-old’s financial circumstances were far removed from those of many multi-millionaire footballers and that despite his career earnings Hignett had been made bankrupt six years ago and was “still suffering the after-effects”.

Hayley Jameson, prosecuting, said a North Yorkshire Police camera van had clocked Hignett, of Stockton, driving his Audi A4 S Line at 104mph on the A19 near Thirsk on January 23, less than three weeks before he was appointed Pools manager. Hignett admitted the offence and was given six points.

The court was told he had three points on his licence for speeding in 2014 and another three for speeding on April 18, and with 12 points faced a driving ban.

Simon Walker, mitigating, said the offence could not have come at a worse time for Hignett as he had recently separated from his wife, so would struggle to see his daughters without driving.

Mr Walker added Hartlepool United chairman Gary Coxall had warned Hignett his position would be reviewed if he was banned from driving, as the role involved driving about 50,000 miles a year to training sessions in Durham, working at the Victoria Park ground and scouting opposition teams and players.

He said:”The buck stops with him. He has responsibility for 50 employees.

"A chaffeur is not realistic at Hartlepool United. It is quite clear he would not be able to fulfill his obligations. He will not walk into another job, there are so few.”

Magistrates fined Hignett £800 and warned him if he committed further driving offences he would be banned.