Craig Hignett misses out to Darrell Clarke for League Two manager of the month: Higgy's reaction

Hignett was nominated for the March gong – his first full month as a manager.

But ex-Victoria Park favourite Clarke, whose Bristol Rovers side thumped Pools on the first night of the month, clinched the Sky Bet award.

Pools full-back Jake Carroll was also nominated for player of the month, but that accolade also went to the Memorial Stadium, Matt Taylor the recipient.

“Darrell had more points than me in March – it can’t take much working out for the panel who should win it!” he smiled.

“I’m delighted with what we have done, where we have come from and where we are now I couldn’t have asked for any more.

“Good luck to Darrell - he’s been on a great run and deserved the win.”

Hignett said he had no grumbles at the result and was simply happy that his team’s form had been recognised.

“I’m pleased to have been nominated, I don’t think my start in management could have gone any better.

“But the award is not an individual thing in my eyes – there has been a lot of hard work from the staff and all the lads.

“It’s a team and club thing.

“The turnaround has been brilliant and the credit has to go to the lads and how they have set about doing what we want to do.

“The squad have taken to it really quickly and by doing it that fast, it shows we have intelligent footballers here.”