Hartlepool United’s long-awaited sale has been completed, with American real estate developer Landon Smith buying the National League side.
The takeover was confirmed on 31 December, two years and nine months after the club was first put up for sale by Raj Singh.
In a statement confirming that Smith has acquired a full controlling stake “with immediate effect”, the deal was described as one that marks “a significant new chapter in the club’s history”.
Smith, a co-founder and principal partner of Minnesota-based real estate company Tailwind Group, says he comes in with plans to restore Hartlepool to the English Football League and invest in the club on and off the pitch while “enhancing financial sustainability”.
“Having looked at several National League and EFL clubs, it was clear to see the potential with Pools, including the benefit of the foundation work that has been put in under the current owner’s tenure,” Smith told the club website., external
“I’m looking forward to building on that, and I’m fully committed to investing in the club for what I hope will be a very exciting future.”
Singh leaves the club after almost eight years as owner.
He headed a high-profile consortium which included broadcaster Jeff Stelling, and while promotion back to the EFL was achieved in 2021 the club dropped back to non-league level after just two seasons.
That relegation prompted Singh to try to offload the club, but the protracted nature of the businessman’s dealing with prospective buyers caused unrest among the fanbase and led to him stepping down as chairman in March because of personal abuse aimed at him by some supporters.
The drawn-out nature of the takeover also saw Stelling quit as president in May because of how Singh was dealing with prospective buyers.
“The search for a suitable owner has taken far longer than I ever imagined, and at various points I questioned whether I should continue,” Singh said in the statement announcing the takeover.
“Landon comes with an enthusiasm, skill sets and financial backing that should serve the club well in its next chapter, and I would urge all supporters to get behind him, but also to be patient and sympathetic with plans and progress.”
