New Hartlepool owner reveals exciting plans for the club as Raj Singh opens up on his exit

New Hartlepool United owner Landon Smith reveals exciting plans for the club as the departing Raj Singh opens up on his exit.

Pools announced the completion of a takeover by American investor Landon Smith, co-founder of real estate firm Tailwind Group, who has acquired full controlling stake.

New owner Landon Smith spoke of a smooth transition, supporting the current team this season, and outlined long-term goals.

They include returning to the EFL, building player pathways, boosting financial sustainability and commercial revenue, increasing community/supporter engagement, investing in facilities and staff, and preserving club heritage. More details will follow after operational reviews.

Thank – and forgive my lack of professionalism here – f**k for that. Who knows what this new dawn will have in store, but here’s hoping for a return of the Hartlepool United we know and love! https://t.co/lXuZX29veW

— Robbie Stelling (@StellingRobbie) December 31, 2025

STATEMENT:

Hartlepool United Football Club can today confirm that a Club takeover has 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.

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

Departing Owner and Chairman, Raj Singh, commented:

“It has been a real privilege to act as custodian for Hartlepool United for nearly 8 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.”

“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.”

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

New owner Landon Smith commented:

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

“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.”

Hartlepool United would like to thank everyone for their continued loyalty, and we look forward to embarking on this new journey and chapter with our loyal supporters, staff, and partners.

For any media enquiries, please contact the Club’s Media Officer, Dom Aberdeen, via dom.aberdeen@hartlepoolunited.co.uk

BREAKING 🚨 American businessman Landon Smith is the new owner of Hartlepool United 🇺🇸🤝#Pools | #HUFC | #BBCFootball pic.twitter.com/Z6tNSHOxWY

— BBC Sport Tees (@BBCTeesSport) December 31, 2025

BREAKING 🚨 Raj Singh has officially sold Hartlepool United, ending his seven-year-spell as owner.#Pools | #HUFC | #BBCFootball pic.twitter.com/6w0HWcF5bj

— BBC Sport Tees (@BBCTeesSport) December 31, 2025

Here’s how fans reacted as the new Hartlepool owner reveals exciting plans for the club and Raj Singh opens up on his exit…

@john_nufc42: This is excellent news for the football club. Hopefully you can all move forward onto bigger things. Your fans deserves so much better and congrats on your takeover 🔥 Onwards and upwards Poolies 👍⚽️ @JeffStelling @StellingRobbie

@NEFootballHub: Does this mean that the ban on media presence for the likes of @RobLawTees and @StellingRobbie has been lifted? Will the legend @JeffStelling now be allowed back as the honorary president? Such great news (assuming the new owner is better, of course)

@MatthewHan93365: First order of business get @RobLawTees @StellingRobbie back into the vic

@MattBarrick5: Congratulations to all associated with the club, knew you’d get your day. If we aren’t playing each other next season then we can hope for the 2027/28 season back where we both belong!

@jayney1908: Any half season tickets on sale? Load of Poolies ready to buy 🥂💙

@bennymac1994: and in one single post all the turmoil all the split between the fans has gone best news to finish the year let’s get behind the new ownership by filling the vic let’s show them what this town is about when we have a thriving football club 🔵⚪️

@jordrich97: Just been trying to process my thoughts… We don’t know a great deal about them yet, and a change of ownership doesn’t guarantee success on the pitch… but what it will do is galvanise a fractured fan base and bring hope to long-suffering Poolies. Up the Pools! 💙🇺🇸 #hufc

@HUST_1908: Very wise words. The 17th Jan match should be brilliant though – if there’s a jump on the gate and an outpouring of love for the club, what better message to send the owners.

@jordrich97: Absolutely, the Club has untapped potential and we saw a glimpse of it throughout 2021.

@IanLaurence10: he’ll have no clue about running a football club and so will need loyal people around him, not leeches….. lets hope he’s got good advisers. The fact he’s gone through all the DD that Raj put before him sutely says he’s no chancer.

@jordrich97: Beggars can’t be choosers but I really do hope they help themselves by appointing a proper football person to oversee on-pitch matters. Suspect Joe Monks will remain in his post with that responsibility.

@richyhpool: We just have to see this as a positive and hope the new owners can push us on to be more competitive. As u say it should at least galvanise the fans!

@Stagbythesea: Unless I’ve been oblivious, that has came out of nowhere. Shows a takeover can happen without rumours and social media spats. Hopefully a sign of positive things to come.

@JWheelhouse_01: People may laugh, but I could genuinely cry after reading that. The Pools go marching on again 💙

@Chenks2508: And just like that I’m back!!!!! Not crossed the doors since April 2024 but now that prick has gone I can’t wait to stand in the Millhouse. I couldn’t look at giving Singh one more penny after the way he treat KP

@anthonystevenh7: Yes!!! Happy new year let’s attack 2026 full on, and first thing reinstall bbc tees and rob law back ! Hopefully we have some clout and get a few quality additions in Jan bye bye Singh won’t be missed. Get that board scattered now also no poison left total new broom , free rob law and Robbie stelling let’s go

@noah_whitton: the arguments , the not so ‘united’ spirit , the boycotts , the turmoil. All of it’s over now fellas. up the fucking pools and everyone associated with the club 💙💙💙💙💙💙