HARTLEPOOL United's play-off hopes were given a triple boost yesterday when manager Chris Turner agreed new deals with three of his most influential performers.

Skipper Micky Barron, 18-goal striker Kevin Henderson and playmaker Paul Stephenson have all agreed new, long-term contracts to keep them at Victoria Park.

Turner has a host of players out of contract in the summer but has moved swiftly to keep the trio and fend off prying eyes.

Ahead of this afternoon's home clash with top-seven rivals Scunthorpe he admitted: "We've been working on this for two months and are delighted it has come to fruition. There's a lot of contracts to sort out, but it's great to get these three tied down.

"The last thing you need is your captain, your leading scorer and your ball-player leaving - three who make up the spine of your team.''

Speaking on the club website, Turner added: "It is important that the other members of the squad see players of this calibre pledging their future to the club.

"I have worked with these three players over the past two seasons and have every confidence that they will play a major part in our future.

"Whatever happens at the end of this season and whichever division we find ourselves playing in next season, this is the start of the squad for the next two or three years - the next phase of the development of the team."

Turner has been linked with a number of managerial posts in recent months, most recently at Tranmere, but he insisted: "I hope that these signings will demonstrate to the fans that IOR, Colin West and myself are all committed to the future of the club.

"I certainly would never consider asking players to sign such deals if Colin and I weren't planning to be here too.''

Barron admitted: "I want to build on what we've achieved over the past two years. I can see that the club is heading in the right direction and that was a major influence in my decision."

Skipper Barron has been given the all-clear after fearing he had suffered a broken arm in Monday's defeat at Leyton Orient.

And he will take his place in the back line with Graeme Lee, who will make his first start of the season.

Lee has been out after undergoing cruciate ligament surgery, but has made two substitute outings in the last week and Turner said: "We said that if he is back before the end of the season it would be a bonus and it's credit to Spike that he is available.

"Micky will be OK. We think he has just taken a crack on his bone and it has left him feeling a little numb for a while.

"I feel Spike is ready to start. He's played a part in five or six games now, he's trained every day for six weeks and has worked tremendously hard.

"He's had double training sessions and on weekends as well. He's got a magnificent attitude and it's a real credit to him that he is fit.

"Spike came on last week and nearly saved the game when he hit the bar. He gives us that little bit extra threat at set pieces.

"This season has been a write-off for him, which is a shame because he had such a good season last year. He has improved a lot since I came here and it's unfortunate he has lost a year.

"I'm sure that next season he will be back to his best. He could play at a higher level and on his day there's not many better centre-halfs in this division.''

After going 21 League games without defeat, Pool have lost their last three games. But despite the worst sequence of results under Turner's two-year tenure, the Pool chief remains confident.

"We are in a little bit of a slump,'' said Turner. "We could have got something at Southend and against Hull, but we didn't deserve anything on Monday.

"Training has been good - we haven't been chancing anything - the players are still confident and they want to be winners.

"I want them all to be a little bit stronger, I know they can do it, but when we are not flying like we have been we have to roll our sleeves up and get stuck in.

"Confidence is still high and I haven't seen anyone with their heads down or moping around. Maybe it's down to a mental blockage and there is a little bit of pressure on them.

"The club has gone from being underdogs to favorites and we are expected to win. It's a different sort of pressure and it is a bit of a learning experience for everyone.''

l Pool youngster Dave Piggott has been called into the Northern Ireland under-18 squad for their double header against Austria - after his brother Craig contacted the Irish FA by e-mail to inform them of his eligibility through his grand parents.

Striker Piggott flies out to Vienna for two friendlies on May 8 and 10.

Read more about Hartlepool here.