Tommy Miller Snr takes over from Ian Moore as Hartlepool United's head scout

The dad of midfielder ‘SuperTom’ has returned to Pools as the club’s recruitment and scouting co-ordinator.

Tommy Snr takes over from ex-Pools striker Ian Moore, who stepped down from his role as chief scout following the end of last season.

Miller spent 12 years at Victoria Park in his previous spell and played a key part in the glory years led by Chris Turner, Mike Newell, Neale Cooper and Danny Wilson.

Tommy, now in his fifth decade in football, had set up the club’s Centre of Excellence as Youth Development Officer before becoming chief scout.

He did some great work in that field, one of his inspired successes being the capture of Michael Nelson from Bury in the summer of 2003, the defender going on to play over 300 times for the club.

Miller left Pools in 2009 and has most recently been working as a scout for QPR, but he’s delighted to be back at the Vic and working with Craig Hignett.

“I’ve enjoyed my time at QPR, but I’m really pleased to be back at Pools and looking forward to getting stuck in,” he told the Pools website.

“I will be working alongside two other scouts at the club and we’re also looking at the possibility of taking on another one too.

“It will be my responsibility to ensure that we have all the information we need on teams that we’ll be coming up against, as well as making sure we are keeping an eye on any potential transfer targets.

“We’re also investing in the latest and most up-to-date online scouting solutions to make sure we’re doing the job properly and give ourselves the best chance of success.”

Meanwhile, Pools have announced a tough friendly with Pools travelling to Scottish Championship club Livingston.

Pools will visit the Almondvale Stadium on Saturday, July 23 (kick-off 3pm).

The Lions finished ninth in the Championship and will provide a solid test for Craig Hignett’s side.

Pools start their pre-season programme this Saturday at Billingham Town ahead of their departure for the pre-season trip to Tenerife on Sunday.

Hignett had hoped to play two friendlies in La Caleta, but will now concentrate on training only.

On their return, Pools host Sunderland on Wednesday, July 20 (kick-off 7.30pm) before heading to Scotland.

Pools visit last season’s FA Cup rivals Salford City on Tuesday, July 26 (kick-off 7.30pm) and entertain Scunthorpe United on Saturday, July 30 (kick-off 3pm).