HARTLEPOOL UNITED come up against a club legend this evening – and Micky Barron could even make an appearance against his old club.

The club’s long-time centre-half, skipper, caretaker manager and first-team coach is part of the set-up at Northern League Shildon, where Pools visit tonight.

Barron has long been retired, making the last of his competitive appearances in March 2007, when Danny Wilson led Pools to promotion.

But he turned out as a late substitute for Shildon in Saturday’s 3-1 friendly win over Marske United.

He is one of a number of ex-Pools players in their ranks, alongside Matty Robson, Carl Jones and Billy Greulich-Smith.

Pools drew 1-1 with Sunderland on Saturday, with new striker Niko Muir cleverly finding the net to open the scoring.

He netted 40 times for Hendon last season and has impressed since joining the full-time ranks in recent weeks.

“It was good to see him get off the mark,’’ said boss Matthew Bates. “Especially against a very good side in Sunderland. That will give him confidence moving forward.

“He has done well. Hopefully he goes on to have a good season.’’

Pools also signed Luke James last week, the striker returning to the club where he made his breakthrough in 2011 before heading to Peterborough.

James is the eighth signing made by Bates this summer. A number of players are available for transfer, but as yet there has been no movement out of the club.

Bates admitted: “I have been very pleased with the recruitment. I could not have wished for any more than I have got.

“It is great to get Luke James back to the club. We have worked on it for a while. “It was on, it was off. We were just happy to get it done.”