Dave Jones has been appointed manager of League Two side Hartlepool United to replace Craig Hignett.
The 60-year-old will take charge on Monday with under-21 coach Sam Collins remaining in charge for Saturday’s fixture against Stevenage.
Jones was last in management in 2013 at Sheffield Wednesday and has also had spells at Cardiff, Wolves, Southampton and Stockport.
Kevin Cooper has been confirmed as the new Pools assistant manager.
A club statement said the appointment of Jones “represents a real coup for the football club”.
Hignett, 47, had an 11-month spell in charge at Victoria Park but left by mutual consent after winning 14 of 46 league games in charge.
The club are 19th in the table, just four points above the relegation places.
Jones began his managerial career in 1995 and has achieved three promotions, including winning a place in the Premier League with Wolves in 2003, as well as guiding Cardiff to the 2008 FA Cup final.
Cooper played under him at both clubs and the pair’s first game in charge of Hartlepool will be a trip to bottom side Newport on 28 January.
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