CRAIG Hignett feels his has done his apprenticeship, and now he's ready for the task of rejuvenating Hartlepool United.

Pools last week appointed Colin Cooper as manager, with Hignett appointed as his assistant.

Both leave Middlesbrough's burgeoning academy, Cooper as under-18 coach, Hignett as a coach at Rockliffe Park.

That experience of nurturing talent for the Championship club earned the pair a crack at first-team level at Victoria Park.

Hignett, who ended his playing days with a brief spell at Pools in the 2006/07 promotion season, has long eyed the chance to step up his coaching career.

"It's an ambition of mine, I want to get into management and coaching at first-team level,'' he admitted.

"I've been in the academy at Boro for six, seven years and now this is a chance to help Colin and work with the first-team players.

"I was very close to getting a manager's job last season, but you have these set-backs and now I've this opportunity and we can't wait to get cracking.''

He added: "I feel this is the natural thing for me to do and I feel I've had a go at the Academy and know what is required. This is the next step for me, even if it is a wrench to leave my other work behind.

"It's the right time to do it.

"I've seen all the players in the Championship, lots in League One and Two as well. Between me and Colin we have seen every kid from the age of 13-21 in the region and all that will stand us in good stead.''

Pools start next season in League Two following relegation and the pair had a productive meeting with Durham University staff at Maiden Castle, the club's training base on Saturday morning as they make plans for their pre-season programme.

"It's a big task because there's been a couple of disappointing seasons,'' admitted Hignett. "We feel we can bring something to the club, offer a lot and we are similar in our football philosophies.

"Colin is delighted to have an opportunity and I'm delighted to go in and help him out, I'm sure we can help Hartlepool.

"It came out of the club for me, we aren't dead close, not best of friends, but have known each other for a long time and we get on really well.''

Pools, linked with a move for out of contract Torquay striker Rene Howe, who netted 30 goals in the last two seasons , will go to Holland in pre-season

Hignett, who has also been working as a co-commentator on Boro games for BBC Tees, added: "We have a lot of work to do, a summer to get cracking and get things in place for when the lads come back.

"Hopefully we can get the club going again, it's a big job and one we can't wait to get cracking.''