Middlesbrough: Craig Hignett leaves Hartlepool United for Boro

Middlesbrough have appointed Craig Hignett as assistant head coach, 10 months after he left the club to take the same role at Hartlepool United.

Last season, the 44-year-old former midfielder was working as a youth coach for Boro, but joined Pools after they appointed Colin Cooper as manager.

As a player, Hignett played for the Teessiders between 1992 and 1998, scoring 48 goals in 194 appearances.

His arrival means Jamie Clapham reverts to his role as an academy coach.

Clapham had been serving as interim assistant since Aitor Karanka became Middlesbrough boss in November.