Hartlepool United have officially announced Colin Cooper as the club's new manager as they look to bounce straight back into League One.

Cooper has brought Craig Hignett with him as his assistant manager, with the decision coming two weeks after John Hughes's contract was terminated by Hartlepool.

In a statement on their official website, the club said: "Hartlepool United are delighted to announce the appointment of Colin Cooper as the blub's new first team manager.

"The 46-year-old will take the reins at Victoria Park immediately and has appointed Craig Hignett as the new assistant/reserve team manager to assist him."

Cooper was previously working as part of the Middlesbrough youth academy before taking the Hartlepool reins.