Hartlepool United owner Raj Singh has officially stepped down from his role as chairman, effective immediately.
In a statement, the club confirmed that Singh will continue to fund key operations, including player and staff wages, until the end of the season. With the club now in search of new ownership, an interim board has been put in place to oversee operations and liaise with potential buyers.
A Difficult Decision for Singh
Singh, who took over at Hartlepool in 2018, described the decision to step down as the hardest he has made during his tenure.
“As someone from the local area, I stepped in to help the club when it was close to ceasing to exist, and I have done my utmost to put Hartlepool United on a more secure footing.”
He reiterated his commitment to ensuring the club’s financial stability in the short term, stating that his continued funding would give potential new owners the necessary time to take over.
Controversy and Growing Frustration
Singh’s tenure at Hartlepool has been a divisive one. While he played a crucial role in saving the club from financial ruin, frustrations have mounted among fans over the perceived lack of ambition and communication from ownership.
Singh addressed the criticism in his statement, pointing out that while the club has been officially up for sale since April 2023, most takeover enquiries have amounted to little more than “timewasters.”
“Regrettably, some supporters and notably a certain supporter group have made it clear that they want new ownership, no matter what the consequences. There comes a point where the personal abuse and misrepresentation of information is untenable.”
Despite Singh’s claim that no credible offers have been made, some fans remain frustrated by the club’s reluctance to engage with interested parties. Notably, there were persistent rumours of interest from Hollywood actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, although Singh has always denied these claims.
What’s Next for Hartlepool?
As the club remains in search of new ownership, former Hartlepool United defender Ben Clark shared his reaction to Singh’s departure.
“A bit shocked really. It will be interesting to see where the club goes from here. Hopefully, there are potential suitors out there to take over because, let’s face it, it’s a fabulous club.”
With Hartlepool sitting 15th in the National League, supporters will be hoping for swift action to secure new ownership and stability ahead of next season.
Writer’s View
Singh’s departure marks the end of a turbulent era for Hartlepool United. While he undeniably played a key role in saving the club from financial collapse, his leadership style and reluctance to sell have left many fans frustrated. The next few months will be crucial in determining the club’s future, with the search for a new owner now the top priority. If the right investor is found, Hartlepool could finally see the stability and ambition fans have long been craving.
