By Eggy_Poolie
July 21 2006

Michael Barron has one of Hartlepool United's longest serving players and this weekend will salute that when Leeds come to the Vic in honour of Micky Barron's testimonial.

Barron signed for Hartlepool from Middlesbrough initially on loan from the 6th September to the 3rd December 1996. On the 1st August 1997 he signed for Hartlepool on a free transfer. During his time at Hartlepool he has made 290 league appearances scoring 3 goals and 8 FA Cup appearnaces scoring 1 goal. Micky Barron is also the only player remaining at the club who has played in all 11 play-off for the club.

Barron's forst game for Pools came against Hereford in a game Pools won 1-0 thanks to a goal by Buddy Halliday. During his time at Pools he has played in 11 play-off games including the League 1 Playoff final final against Sheffield Wednesday and has achieved 1 promotion with the club in 2003.

Barron was brought in on loan by Keith Houchen but it was Mick Tait who made the full time signing of Barron as a centre back. He soon moved to right back and made the position his own showing great determination and passion in every game.

Micky Barrons first goal came in a 2-2 draw against Cambridge on 2nd January 1999, this game was mainly remembered by Poolies as the debut of England legend Peter Beardsley who during his short stint at the club scored 2 goals.

Barron waited until 2001 for his next goal to arrive. Hartlepool were bottom of the league despite being in the playoffs the past 2 season. Hull came to the Vic expecting victory but Hartlepool wiped the floor with them. On the night Gordon Watson scored a hat-trick and Micky Barron grabbed the second goal of his Pools career.

His third goal for Pools came against Wycombe Wanderers. It was not the best peformance by Pools but the game will be remembered for 3 things. 1 - Micky Barron scoring his 3rd league goal for Pools. 2 - A great display by young keeper Jim Provett to keep Pools in the game and finally on this afternoon Man U were beaten by Fulham so Hartlepool officially had the longest unbeaten hom run in the country.

On saturday Leeds will be coming to the Vic. Lets all get to the game and make it a day to remember for Hartlepools longest serving player. He certainly deserves it.