Hartlepool have appointed Craig Hignett as their new manager following the departure of Ronnie Moore.
The Sky Bet League Two strugglers parted company with Moore earlier on Wednesday and moved quickly to replace the 63-year-old with the former Pools midfielder.
Hignett, who also took in spells with Middlesbrough, Bradford, Crewe and Barnsley, finished his playing career with a brief stint at Victoria Park in 2007.
The 46-year-old also spent time as assistant to Colin Cooper at Hartlepool in the 2013/14 season.
"It was essential that we moved quickly to get a new manager in place," Hartlepool chairman Gary Coxall told the club's official website.
"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."
Moore left Hartlepool in the wake of Tuesday night's 2-1 home defeat to Stevenage which left them just one place and four points above the relegation zone.
Coxall said of Moore's exit: "This is an extremely difficult decision, but one we feel is right for the football club.
"Ronnie has worked tirelessly to bring success to the club during his time at The Vic and we thank him sincerely for those efforts and wish him well for the future."
Source: PA
