HARTLEPOOL UNITED will host ambitious Dutch outfit AZ Alkmaar in a mouth-watering pre-season friendly at Victoria Park this summer.

Alkmaar, managed by former Barcelona coach Louis van Gaal, were the conquerors of Newcastle United in last season's UEFA Cup and they also proved tricky opposition for Middlesbrough in the same competition in the previous year.

Last weekend they missed out on a Champions League place when they were defeated by Ajax in a play-off and it promises to be a fantastic occasion on August 1 (kick-off 7.45pm).

Meanwhile, Micky Barron yesterday put pen to paper on a deal that will take him into his 11th year with Pools.

But Barron, now 32, is well aware manager Danny Wilson will be making alterations to the playing staff this summer and is braced for a fight to retain his shirt.

He is confident the League Two runners-up will be a force in the higher division and expects more targets to be fulfilled.

"Once the club offered me a new deal there was never any doubt that I would sign it," said Barron. "Everyone knows what this club means to me and I'm just happy that I managed to play my part last season. It was that bit more special because it was my testimonial year.

"There is no chance we are going to sit back next season. You have to keep going forward in football and there is plenty more for this team to do and plenty challenges ahead.

"The manager will no doubt add more quality to the squad and everyone will have to improve again."

Among Wilson's targets is a new striker but Pools look destined to miss out on one of their top targets, Darryl Duffy.

Duffy, who spent time on loan at Pools last season, has been valued at £500,000 by Hull City after Swansea City registered an interest. Such a fee is unlikley to be paid by Pools, with Wilson now stepping up his efforts to land former Middlesbrough forward Danny Graham.