Craig Hignett left Middlesbrough in 1998 and had a brief spell with Aberdeen before moving to Barnsley.
23 Facts About Craig Hignett
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Craig Hignett returned to Crewe Alexandra on loan in 2004.
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Craig Hignett subsequently had brief spells with Leeds United, Darlington, Apollon Limassol, Spennymoor United, Hartlepool United and Billingham Synthonia.
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Craig Hignett began his coaching career at Middlesbrough's academy in 2008.
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Craig Hignett was named as Hartlepool's first-team manager in February 2016 but was sacked in January 2017.
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Craig Hignett returned to the club again as Director of Football in 2018 and became manager again in January 2019 before departing in October 2019.
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Craig Hignett took a pay cut to stay at the club at one point, in stark contrast to the many big-name signings Middlesbrough were bringing in at the time.
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Additionally, Craig Hignett was named in the PFA Team of the Year for the First Division.
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Craig Hignett played 68 times and scored 14 goals for Rovers before being released.
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Craig Hignett only scored once during his time at Leicester but it was a memorable goal: a crucial injury time equaliser against Arsenal.
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Craig Hignett had been training with the club and had taken part in Reserve Team fixtures prior to signing up permanently.
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In September 2007 Craig Hignett starred in Sky1's Premier League All Stars, in which he helped Middlesbrough beat West Ham United in the final.
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Craig Hignett was linked with the Darlington job after Colin Todd was sacked, he was again rumoured after Steve Staunton was sacked.
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In May 2013, Craig Hignett became assistant manager at Hartlepool United alongside Colin Cooper.
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Craig Hignett had a successful stint at Hartlepool, helping to lead the club to 9th before leaving for Middlesbrough in March 2014 to work as Aitor Karanka's assistant.
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On 2 December 2014, Middlesbrough announced that Craig Hignett had parted company with the club.
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In February 2016, Craig Hignett was appointed first-team manager of Hartlepool United following the departure of Ronnie Moore.
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Craig Hignett returned to Hartlepool in March 2018 as the club's Director of Football.
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On 10 October 2019, Craig Hignett was sacked alongside coach Ged McNamee, his dismissal was viewed with surprise from some fans.
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In January 2024, it was announced Craig Hignett had been appointed as Head of Development at Guisborough Town.
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In June 2013, Craig Hignett joined former footballer Colin Cooper and Sky Sports presenter Jeff Stelling and 12 other intrepid explorers to climb the 5,895m summit of Africa's highest mountain, Mount Kilimanjaro, to raise vital cash for the Finlay Cooper Fund in aid of children's charities.
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At the beginning of 2023, Craig Hignett became the Honorary President for the Hartlepool United Supporters' Trust.
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Craig Hignett provides commentary and punditry for BBC Radio Tees and BBC Radio Merseyside.