Micky Barron - coach

By Clarence Rode
January 15 2008

It took them long enough, but Hartlepool have at last done the obvious thing and named club captain Micky Barron as youth team coach at Victoria Park. He replaced Paul Stephenson, who left in December to join Glen Roeder's coaching staff at Norwich City. Barron is Pools' longest-serving player and was awarded a testimonial match last season.

When Stephenson decided to move to Carrow Road, Barron (seen right having an exchange of views with a ref who is looking for a red card) was tipped as a natural successor and man fany believed he should have been confirmed in the job immediately.
But Pools have taken a month to appoint him, giving the 32-year-old a chance to start a career in coaching at a timer when his playing career appears to be winding down.
He had already done some coaching for manager Danny Wilson at the start of the season, and had been looking after the youth team since Stephenson's departure.
Barron has been with Pools for 11 years, signing from Bore-o after a spell on loan. He has played more than 370 senior games for the club, most of them as captain and is regarded as a popular fixture at Victoria Park.
Yet it appears he had to go through a formal interview process to land the job. Didn't they know what he could do?
"I'm sure it will turn out to be a terrific appointment," Danny Wilson told the club website.
"Micky is a very, very well-respected member of the club, not only with the players but also the fans. It seemed a natural progression for him.
"We all wish Micky the very best in his new role and I'm confident he'll be a real success."

Meanwhile, Pools have been fined £500 by the FA after pleading guilty to failing to control players after the home game with Brighton in October. The level of fine probably reflects the seriousness of the charge - it probably cost almost as much in expenses to attend the hearing in Birmingham.