CRAIG HIGNETT has been appointed Hartlepool United, replacing Ronnie Moore who earlier today left the club.

The former Middlesbrough coach returns to Victoria Park after leaving his role as assistant manager in 2014 to go to Boro.

Hignett was watching Pools defeat to Stevenage at Victoria Park on Tuesday evening, and has been a regular at home games this season.

He has long held ambitions to be a manager and his appointment will be welcomed by supporters. Hignett will be unveiled at a press conference at 2pm on Thursday afternoon.

“It was essential that we moved quickly to get a new Manager in place,” said chairman Gary Coxall.

“We immediately identified Craig as our number one target and we believe he has all the right qualities to help instil confidence back in to the players and help us move up the table.

“He has a wealth of experience in football and has been looking for an opportunity to move in to management so we’re delighted to give him that chance here at Victoria Park.”

Assistant boss Sam Collins takes on a new role focusing on the Club’s Under-21 players.