Hartlepool United for sale just six months after takeover

Hartlepool United have announced that the club is for sale just six months after owner Jack Blackledge, of Sage Investments, took over.
Pools, struggling in the National League following relegation, say they have discovered financial “legacy issues” after taking control of the club from Gary Coxall and recruitment firm JPNG in June.
The club has spoken to a number of potential investors but discussions have come to nothing – and now Hartlepool have issued a statement calling for interested parties to come forward.
The statement read: “The Club entered new ownership in June of this year and much great work has been done by all at the Club to ensure it is run in a more sustainable and transparent manner.
“Upon the change of ownership, the Club became aware of a number of legacy issues that have consumed huge financial and human resources.
“The Club now believes that they have got to the bottom of these issues and are dealing with them accordingly.
“The Club needs more investment. Over the past few months the Club has spoken to several interested parties. However, no firm proposals have been forthcoming, and the Club now feels that the net needs to be widened beyond the town to attract the necessary investment.
“The Club knew that relegation would present significant challenges this season, which it has.
“The Club, its staff, supporters, the people in and around the town recognise that a successful and sustainable club is what the town needs.
“The Club is excited and looking forward to the games over the festive period and recognise the fans have a massive part to play in helping us move up the table.
“The Club would welcome expressions of interest from investors that are serious and committed and, to that end, the Club has appointed Geoff Cunningham, Walker Morris Solicitors to deal with those enquiries.
“Geoff will assist in filtering out those who are genuinely interested in joining the Club on our journey back to the EFL and a Club to be proud of.”