 In February 2016, Hignett was appointed first-team manager of Hartlepool United following the departure of Ronnie Moore.His first game as Pools boss came in a 2–1 home win against Yeovil Town.Hignett's arrival saw an upturn in form and a run of seven wins from eleven games during March and April saw Hartlepool rise from 22nd to a respectable finishing position of 16th in League Two.