Hartlepool United set for a 'massive overhaul' says Hignett

The recently-appointed Director of Football, who joined the club alongside new owner Raj Singh, was officially unveiled to the media alongside new manager Matthew Bates on Friday.

And with the formalities out the way, Hignett is keen to get down to work and start transforming Pools as they target a return to the Football League.

It was a difficult season both on and off the pitch for Hartlepool, with Hignett confessing that the new regime are still uncovering aspects of the club's operation left on from previous regimes.

But the 48-year-old is keen to move on from the past and says all decisions will now be made with the club in mind - something he feels has not been done previously.

That will require a big overhaul, and that's something Hignett is keen to see over the summer months.

“It’s been hectic," the former striker admitted.

"I think that until you get in the club you don’t know the extent of stuff – and day by day we are turning over stones and discovering stuff.

“It’s been an eye-opener, but very enjoyable at the same time.

“The club needs a massive overhaul, a restructure from top to bottom. It’s going to be a big job and for too long people have took the club for granted, lined their own pockets and not done it for the good of the club.

“We will get it on a sound footing, be ran in the right manner and decisions will be made for the good of the club and not for the good of my pocket, your pocket or their pocket.’’