Hartlepool United have named John Hughes as new first team coach.

Former Falkirk and Hibernian boss Hughes leaves Livingston to take charge of npower League One's bottom side, starting with the visit of Coventry this weekend.

The 48-year-old succeeds Neal Cooper, who resigned last month, and inherits a squad nine points from safety and without a win in 16 matches.

Ex-Hull and Preston manager Phil Brown had been widely touted with the role in recent days.