Jeff Stelling resigns as Hartlepool United president over takeover delay

Broadcaster Jeff Stelling has resigned from his role as Hartlepool United’s president over the treatment of people trying to take over the club.

Stelling said in a statement on X , externalthat supporters had been left in an intolerable position by the actions of current owner Raj Singh.

It comes after Hartlepool board members asked the owner to commit to further funding, with a takeover of the National League club still in “limbo”.

Singh put the club up for sale in April 2023 following their relegation from the English Football League and resigned from his role as the club’s chairman in March this year, stating his decision came amid abuse from a section of the club’s fan base.

The club previously said it would not be sold before the end of the 2024-25 season as Singh promised to fund player and staff wages until the campaign concluded.

However, in a statement on Wednesday, Hartlepool said they were currently behind with critical planning for next season as a potential takeover drags on.

Stelling, well known for his support of Pools on both television and radio, accused Mr Singh of hypocrisy by stating that he wanted to stop funding the club, but was now “affronted” that others should want to take it over.

He also criticised the fact that despite being a shareholder, he has not been informed about any potential takeover.

Stelling added: “I have not met the would-be buyers but I do know they have been trying to buy this club for over a year – not the actions of time wasters.”