MICHAEL WOODS spent four years at Hartlepool United. After 156 appearances he makes his return to Victoria Park today, playing for Dover Athletic.

“I think Woodsy will get a great reception, he was terrific for the club and a good player and a good person to have around. I keep in touch with him and speak every now and again,’’ reflected Pools’ boss Craig Hignett.

Woods left last season for Harrogate in October, but made only six starts before heading south in the summer after being released.

His time at Pools promised much, delivered plenty, but there was always a sense his talent was a bit unfulfilled.

Always a popular figure at the club, and one who supporters took to, Woods was unplayable on his day.

“He probably should have had a career higher up, he understands the game and has a good football brain and his pedigree is there,’’ mused Hignett.

“He has struggled a bit with injuries and not being fit but when he’s playing and fully fit he’s a great player.

“Technically he is very good, him and Nicky Featherstone are good technical footballers. Woodsy has a goal in him and is very good on the ball.’’

Woods is part of Dover’s midfield, playing a deep-lying role. Jack Munns is also part of their squad and the pair should line up this afternoon.

Woods suffered a horrific leg break at Victoria Park in March 2015, but returned to action quicker than expected under Ronnie Moore and was a key man in Hignett’s first spell as manager at Pools.

“It’s good for him to be playing because he’s not had much game time since he left here for Harrogate so he will want to get some games to get back to where he can be,’’ added the manager.

“I’ve watched them play and he’s sitting in a bit deeper now, passing the ball because he can see a pass. We know all about him.

“He’s my type of player – he passes and follows and plays one-touch when he has to.’’

Pools will be without Fraser Kerr today, the centre-half suffering ankle damage in defeat at Dagenham last weekend.

He could be replaced by Kenton Richardson on the right side of a back three, with Josh Hawkes and Nicke Kabamaba both fit and pressing for recalls.

“I’m lucky I’ve got a good squad and we can cope with injuries when last year it would have crippled us,’’ said Hignett.

“We have been able to make signings in the summer and we have had to use players, there’s players chomping at the bit to play which is a positive.’’

Pools take on Chesterfield at Victoria Park on Tuesday and, after a five-game unbeaten run, these games offer a platform to start another positive stretch of results.

“The division is tight and we have showed what we are capable of, starting again this weekend,’’ said Hignett.

“With back to back home games it’s a good chance. Two positive results and everyone is happy. The lads are capable of it, but you have to go out and do it – effort and workrate and do it properly. If we turn up without doing that then it won’t be OK.

“So many things weren’t right last week but we have addressed it. Showed them what we want, talked them through it and hopefully next time we have an off-day we can cope with it.

“It’s important to recognise that those sort of performances can happen.’’

He added: “It’s a tight league and I think it will be tight all season – I’ve said it before. Two wins and jump five or six places and with two home games coming up we have a good chance.

“Dover come here and the distances doesn’t really affect teams. They have travelled up on the morning before and beat us – it’s down to mindset.

“You can make a long journey a four-day camel ride if you want, but it’s how you approach it.

“Some teams will look at it differently. But we have a lot of long hauls, more than others.’’