HARTLEPOOL United chairman Gary Coxall has issued a ‘hands off’ warning after bookies yesterday made his manager Craig Hignett the new favourite to become the next Blackburn Rovers boss.

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Hignett, who scored 14 goals in 68 games for Rovers between 2000 and 2003, is now rated as 8/13 to take over the vacant Ewood Park hotseat.

The former Middlesbrough number two was handed his first managerial role by Coxall in February.

Hignett, who won promotion to the Premiership and the Worthington Cup during his three years at Rovers, guided Hartlepool to League Two safety after winning eight of his first 16 games in charge.

And Coxall said on Twitter: “Just to reassure everyone... No one has made an approach and will get told “hands off” if they even try.

“I can also say I understand if there was any interest in our Gaffer though. #topmanager #handsoff.”

While sources suggest Hignett should not be ruled out of the running for the Rovers job at this stage, it is understood he has not applied for the position.