Hartlepool United new boy Nobby Solano admits he is relishing the chance to team up with Mick Wadsworth again.

The pair worked together at Newcastle United when Wadsworth was Sir Bobby Robson’s right-hand man during the early part of the last decade.

Solano became a huge crowd favourite at St James’ Park and, ten years on, their understanding will be rekindled on the training pitches at Maiden Castle.

Solano is Pools’ highest-profile signing of the close season to date, moving on a free transfer from Hull City.

And while the chance to return to the North-East was a big factor in signing, so too was Pools’ first-team coach Wadsworth.

“Mick is a very good coach, I remember him being a very strict man, very, very strict, when he was at Newcastle,’’ the 36-year-old recalled.

“I believe it is to make sure, as we say in football, that the players don’t fall asleep. I think that is why he worked so well with Bobby.  I remember that we always enjoyed training and working.

“Some players say they are tired but Mick won’t let them do that, he is a tough guy.

“He is right, you have to enjoy your game and training, work hard and then enjoy the rest of the day for what you want to do.

“Mick is a good man and I am looking forward to working with him again.’’

With all the players Pools wanted to stay at Victoria Park remaining and Solano joining Nathan Luscombe and James Poole in the ranks of new recruits, Wadsworth is hoping to improve on last season’s League One finish.

“He (Wadsworth) has ambitions as well and wants to get to the Championship,’’ added Solano. “I like to work with people who want to work with you. It’s not easy when you have a coach who doesn’t want you to work with him.

“Mick tried to organise everything around me to get the deal and get me here and I liked that. The main thing is for the club to do well, not Nobby Solano or Mick, but the whole club. Everyone at Hartlepool wants to do well and I am part of the challenge.

“There is also a chance for me to do some coaching, but I will do it slowly. It’s not full-time and on the pitch I can help a lot, use my experience to help the young lads.

“We will see, there is no rush.’’

Solano played full-back for Hull last season, but is more likely to be used in a midfield role for Pools.

After he starts pre-season training on July 1 he will head to Holland with his new team-mates for a two-game, week-long tour in mid-July.

The League One campaign begins on Saturday, August 6, and Solano is setting his sights on that.

“I know Hartlepool, I played here with Newcastle under Sam Allardyce in a friendly in pre-season and I know there is a beautiful pitch,’’ he said.

“There is a passion for football here in the North-East. Like I said, every club in England always has a passion and I like that.

“I am already excited for the season.

“I like to be part of the club and I know the club wants to be up and be in the play-offs. It’s difficult but possible, isn’t it?

“We can achieve our aims and if we are consistent then you get promotion, like Brighton just have.

“I’ve been playing right back the last couple of years, from that position I am more comfortable on the ball and in possession, but Mick wants me in midfield, middle or right, but whatever the situation I came here to be positive for him and help him in any position he wants me to play.’’

*Supporters have until July 1 to buy their season tickets at reduced rates.

If Pools sell 4,000 by the cut-off point, adult tickets will be £100 and concessions £50. Over 1,700 have been sold to date. The club shop is open until 1pm today.