AFTER signing a new contract himself this summer, Hartlepool United first-team coach Mick Wadsworth admits he is more than satisfied with both his squad of players and his coaching staff.

Wadsworth arrived 12 months ago under Chris Turner, but took sole control when the director of sport walked out at the start of the season.

Now Wadsworth has confirmed youth team coach Micky Barron as his right-hand man – and his squad is now set in stone for the League One season, beginning at MK Dons on August 6.

“Micky Barron is now working with the senior players full-time and Ritchie Humphreys is the player-coach, that is his role now,’’ confirmed Wadsworth.

“They are my sidekicks on the technical front and on the staff front I’m very pleased and our fitness coaches work very closely with Durham University.

“The whole programme and set-up, I think, is slick and efficient.

“I just want us to improve on what we did last year. I want us to be higher than we were last season.

“We want to improve in general terms and be as good as we can possibly be and I don’t know what that is.’’

Pools finished a respectable 16th last season and he added: “At times last year we were absolutely terrific in many games and in quite a few we were quite poor.

“We need a consistency that is more relative to a successful team and we need to play football that is enjoyable to watch. I believe in that and I think that’s what our fans want.

“I think over the last ten years Hartlepool have had a great reputation for playing football and I want that to be the case with our team.

“I think with the players we’ve signed it’s given us a chance to expand the game a little bit more.’’

Colin Nish was his fourth and final recruit last week, the striker moved from Hibs.

Nathan Luscombe and James Poole also signed, but it was the early capture of Nobby Solano which captured the imagination.

The ex-Newcastle United crowd favourite moved from Hull City. With Leon McSweeney released, he is ready to start on the right side of midfield.

“We will see where Nobby plays, he could play anywhere,’’ said Wadsworth.

“He started his career as a sweeper, believe it or not. I don’t see him playing there, but I bet he could play there and I think it would be a breeze for him.

“He will be playing on the right, I’m sure. That’s his natural habitat. I think that’s where he is most comfortable and I think that’s where he has played most of his career.

“Already in training it’s just a pleasure to see him work and what he brings to the game.

“Without doubt I think Nobby’s right boot and Colin Nish’s head good be a good combination.

“Along with Nobby’s right boot and Monkhouse’s head at the far post, or Nobby’s right boot and Collins’ head or Hartley and Lidds’ head and Sweeney’s head.

“With those runs that we make from the midfield, I think Nobby has got the postcode of most of the players and I think he will find them.’’