Former Premier League Footballer Appointed First Team Coach at Middlesbrough College

Middlesbrough College has appointed former professional footballer and UEFA A Licensed coach Craig Hignett as the new coach of its First Team, which competes in the U19 National Youth Football League Northern Division.

Hignett will lead the team on and off the pitch, develop players and support the College’s wider football recruitment programmes.

The appointment follows a successful 24/25 season in which the First Team won the North East Colleges League and subsequently entered the National Youth League.

The team’s progress is strengthened by the Premier Player Football Academy Whitby Town Scholarship at Middlesbrough College, which enables students to combine full-time training with their studies, under the guidance of professional coaches.

The partnership allows students to train and play in competitive adult football while giving Whitby Town FC access to motivated, talented young players. The scholarship programme has a strategic vision to develop the best young footballers in the region and provide a clear pathway into Whitby Town’s first team.

Several Middlesbrough College First Team players have already gained invaluable experience, from First-Team appearances for Whitby Town to inclusion in matchday squads.

Craig Hignett said:

“I’m thrilled to work with such driven young players at the Middlesbrough College Football Academy. The team has already shown great promise and it’s a privilege to help them continue developing both on the pitch and in their education.

“The Academy’s combination of vocational study and high-level coaching gives our players the best foundation to succeed in football and beyond.”

Hignett, best known for his time at Middlesbrough FC, scored the first goal at the Riverside Stadium, achieved two promotions to the Premier League and later returned to football in senior coaching and management roles for various clubs on Teesside.  

Hignett joins a strong coaching team made up of experienced former players and coaches, including Phil Stamp (Second Team Head Coach), Jack Leicos (First Team Assistant Coach), Gaz Robinson (Whitby Town Academy U18 Lead) and Andy Collett (Middlesbrough College Football Academy Director).

Andy Collett, Director of Premier Player Football Academy at Middlesbrough College said:

“Craig is a local legend whose experience as a player and coach makes him the perfect choice to guide our talented young players through the scholarship programme and National Youth League.

“Middlesbrough College Football Academy has grown year on year, and with Craig on board, we aim to build on that success. Bringing in coaches with top-level experience gives our players invaluable insight, raising their game on the pitch and shaping their confidence.”

The First Team has already made an impressive start to the season, and with Hignett at the helm, the College aims to continue that momentum while continuing to produce players capable of progressing into senior football.