MICK Wadsworth yesterday signed a new contract with Hartlepool United.

It means the club’s first-team coach will continue in the role he took on last season. He stepped up when Chris Turner left his position as director of sport at the start of last season to take control of the first-team.

While he won’t be officially appointed manager, he is in all but name.

Micky Barron and Ritchie Humphreys are likely to continue to assist him as they work towards their full quota of coaching badges.

“I like working with young coaches and seeing them develop, because I’ve been there myself,” he said.

“I like giving them opportunity and giving them responsibility.

“And I have to say in Ritchie and Micky they have really responded to that and have gone from strength to strength.”

Wadsworth is on the hunt for a new striker to boost his squad. The players return for pre-season training next Friday, with Nobby Solano and James Poole in the ranks.

He was yesterday linked with a move for former Newcastle forward Lomana Lua Lua, but wages would prove a big stumbling block to any deal.

Centre-half Jordan Mellish and midfielder Jordan Richards have this week signed their first professional contracts at Victoria Park.

Mellish, 18, was a regular at the heart of the youth team defence last season.

Attacking midfielder Richards, also 18, captained the youth team.

Freed Joe Gamble and Denis Behan are to return to Ireland to sign for Limerick.

Pools’ Carling Cup tie with Danny Wilson’s Sheffield United will be played at Victoria Park on Tuesday, August 9 with a 7.30 kick-off. Tickets are £15 adults, £5 concessions.