WHILE Hartlepool United wait to announce the appointment of Colin Cooper as their new manager, their former boss has been linked with a quick return to the game.

John Hughes, sacked last Thursday at Victoria Park, has emerged as a candidate for the vacant post at Sheffield United.

He is understood to be on a seven-man shortlist at Bramall Lane to replace Danny Wilson, another former Pools’ chief.

Chris Morgan, who took caretaker charge at the end of the season, is on the list, as well as MK Dons’ boss Karl Robinson.

Pools are expected to name Middlesbrough academy coach Cooper as Hughes’ replacement after holding talks over the weekend.

Micky Barron, the former reserve team coach, was at Victoria Park yesterday to say his farewells after he was axed with Hughes last week.

Barron first moved to Pools as a centre-half from Middlesbrough in 1996 and went onto twice captain the club to promotion, in 2003 and 2007, before moving into coaching when his playing days ended in 2008.

He told the official website: “Hartlepool will always be my club. I’ve brought my wife here, my kids have grown up connected with the club and everyone associates my name with Hartlepool United.

“It’s hard that I will no longer be a part of that but I still wish everyone here all the success in the world and hopefully they’ll have a good go at it next season.

“I’m going to go away on holiday now to recharge the batteries after a difficult season and then see what opportunities come up. But I’ll certainly be keeping a keen eye on events at The Vic and hopefully I’ll get to a few games and cheer the lads on.”

He made 374 appearances for Pools and added: “I can honestly say that during my time I never really thought about leaving – I quickly felt part of the fabric of the club and even when I wasn’t in the team I was still attached to what was going on and willing the lads to get a win.

“I was just happy to be coming in every day and doing something I loved and I certainly have pride in my time with the club; I have made friends with staff, players and fans who I know I will keep in touch with.’’ Meanwhile, Pools will again head to Holland as part of their pre-season preparations.

The players are due back for training on June 24 and face Almere on Thursday, July 4 (7pm) in Heiloo before meeting Telstar on July 6 (3pm) in Velsen-Zuid.