Micky Barron has admitted he is excited by the prospect of taking part in his first Northern Masters at the Metro Radio Arena this Sunday.
The Youth Team Coach is part of the Pools squad which will compete in the prestigious event and he's looking forward to getting involved in the action.
"I can't wait," Barron told us.
"It's going to be great just to see some of the players I've played with in the past and also some that I've played against over the years.
"I've not been to the Masters before but I've seen it on Sky Sports and the atmosphere is usually very good so I'm really looking forward to it," he added.
Barron is part of a multi-talented Pools line-up with other favourites including Mark Tinkler, Brian Honour and Rob McKinnon.
And Barron has been speaking to those with experience of the Masters to try and make sure he is as prepared as possible for Sunday's big tournament.
"I was saying to Brian Honour that I don't mind playing for as long as I can but he's told me it's fast and furious so you need to take a break every now and then," he explained.
"He says that the most important thing is scoring the first goal because then you can be in command of the game and try and control the tempo.
"I've tried to do a couple of runs in the past few weeks but I have to be honest and say that's been hampered by a couple of barbecues too!
"But I'll be trying to do a bit more work because I know that Sky can add a couple of pounds too!"
Barron and his team mates are certainly going to have their work cut out if they want to progress on Sunday because the big names are out in force at the Metro Radio Arena.
Paul Gascoigne and Rob Lee are in the Newcastle squad, Niall Quinn and Marco Gabbiadini are representing Sunderland, while Colin Cooper and Dean Windass are playing for Middlesbrough.
But while there may be better players in the opposition, Barron is certain that Pools will have the best team off the pitch this weekend.
"I've watched on the telly in recent years and the Hartlepool fans have given great support each time," he commented.
"They always seem to be the loudest singers and the most vocal of all the supporters so hopefully they'll turn out in force again to cheer us on."
Click here now to find out how to get tickets for Sunday's big tournament at the Metro Radio Arena.
