New chapter begins at Hartlepool United as American investor completes takeover

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Hartlepool United supporters have been told a “new chapter” is beginning after American investor Landon Smith completed his takeover of the club on Wednesday and assumed full control at Victoria Park.

Smith, co-founder of US real estate company Tailwind Group, becomes the latest custodian of Pools and brings an end to Raj Singh’s seven-year spell as owner and chairman.

A club statement read: “Hartlepool United Football Club can today confirm that a club takeover has [been] completed.

“Landon Smith, an American investor and co-founder of real estate company Tailwind Group, has acquired a full controlling stake in Hartlepool United with immediate effect.

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New chapter

“The change of ownership will mark a significant new chapter in the club’s history.”

New owner Smith has stated that a return to the EFL is his primary target for the National League outfit, who currently occupy ninth place with a play-off finish within reach this campaign.

“I am delighted and honoured to take the reins as the latest steward at Hartlepool United,” Smith said.

“Our immediate priority is to ensure a smooth transition period and to support the current staff and team with their endeavours this season. That work will start straight away.

“Our longer-term vision is built around key cornerstones and guiding principles of: returning to EFL; developing a full player and club pathway model; enhancing financial sustainability, including through commercial growth; enhancing engagement with supporters and community stakeholders; investment in facilities and people; respecting and protecting club heritage.

“In the coming weeks and months, we will set out more details around those investment priorities.

“I would ask supporters and partners to be patient as we will be undertaking a full review of operations ahead of planning for next season and beyond.

“I want to thank the departing owner, Raj Singh, and the transaction team on both sides. The process has been straightforward and professional from start to finish.

“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.

“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.”

Proud

Following a two-and-a-half-year search for a successor, Singh has finally relinquished ownership of the club on New Year’s Eve.

He took over in 2018 and presided over a turbulent and often controversial spell at Hartlepool, during which he appointed 14 different managers – including a change earlier this season when Simon Grayson was dismissed and replaced by Nicky Featherstone.

The departing owner remarked: “It has been a real privilege to act as custodian for Hartlepool United for nearly eight years, and I am incredibly proud to have played a small part in this great club’s journey.

“I stepped in to help Hartlepool United when it was in a very difficult position, and ever since I have done my utmost to help.

“Whilst we have not achieved sustained Football League status, there have been some memorable days with the promotion at Ashton Gate and cup runs, including a 4th round FA Cup tie against Crystal Palace and a Papa John’s Trophy semi-final against Rotherham United that left us just a couple of penalty kicks away from the club’s first ever visit to Wembley.

“Overall, I do believe the club is in a better place than when I found it, which was always a fundamental aim.

“It has operated with financial stability for an extended period, and it has made progress in some key areas on and off the field, including with commercial growth, formation of a new budding academy system, and establishing EFL readiness in various departments.”

Enthusiasm

Singh added: “The search for a suitable owner has taken far longer than I ever imagined, and at various points I questioned whether I should continue.

“However, after more than two and a half years, I am now delighted to confirm this announcement.

“Landon has passed all League and FA ownership criteria, including submission of detailed business plans and up-front proof of funding.

“Our own process and dealings with Landon have been professional from the outset and remained fully confidential, which is always an excellent sign.

“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.”

Support

Singh concluded by reflecting on the personal toll of owning the club and expressed his gratitude to those who supported him throughout his tenure.

“Being an owner of a football club can become all-consuming and take its toll in various ways,” he explained.

“Undoubtedly, my family and even my other business interests have felt the effects during my tenure, and I want to thank them sincerely for their understanding and support.

“I also want to thank the club board, staff, players, volunteers and partners, both past and present.

“It is impossible to appreciate just how much work and dedication go on behind the scenes to make the club tick, and that work is so often unrecognised.

“Finally, and perhaps most prominently, I would also like to thank the fans for their support over the years.

“Pools truly is an incredible club with some of the most incredible supporters in the game. I wish them all the very best, and I will be eagerly following the next chapter as a supporter myself.”

After their incredible victory over promotion-chasing Rochdale on Monday, Hartlepool face a trip to Woking this weekend.

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