Few clubs in the National League can match Hartlepool United’s history in the Football League.
Pools were part of the EFL fabric for decades, enjoying memorable moments like the 1990–91 promotion under Cyril Knowles and the 2002–03 surge led by Mike Newell. Their time in League One during the mid-2000s brought packed crowds to Victoria Park and a renewed sense of identity.
However, that era now feels like a distant memory. Since their relegation from League Two in 2023, the club has struggled to adapt to life in non-league. Now preparing for a third consecutive season outside the EFL, supporters are left asking: Can Hartlepool United realistically bounce back to the Football League in 2025/26?
Off-Field Instability Looms Large
One of the biggest obstacles to promotion is the ongoing uncertainty behind the scenes. Raj Singh’s position as owner has become emblematic of the club’s wider instability. After announcing his intention to sell earlier in 2025, Singh briefly stepped away—only to return following a fan vote in which 63% of eligible season ticket holders backed his continued involvement.
Takeover talks with Herd International Group, fronted by Hartlepool-born Shelley Hammond, initially raised hopes of a fresh direction. But by late June, it emerged that those discussions had broken down. Although Herd have insisted conversations are still ongoing, Singh has resumed leadership and publicly committed a further £315,000 to stabilise operations. While that cash injection is welcome, the wider uncertainty around ownership has undoubtedly complicated recruitment and planning.
Hartlepool cannot match the financial clout of clubs like Carlisle United or Forest Green Rovers, who have dropped down from League Two with significant resources. Instead, Pools will need to be savvy in the market and operate with tighter margins—a difficult proposition in a league where spending often determines survival, let alone promotion.
Recruitment Begins, But Big Gaps Remain
On the pitch, there are some green shoots of progress. Simon Grayson’s arrival brings a wealth of experience, including four promotions from League One to the Championship with Leeds United, Blackpool, Preston North End, and Huddersfield Town. His most recent managerial success came overseas with Lalitpur City, whom he guided to the Nepal Super League title earlier this year. Whether that translates to the rough and tumble of the National League remains to be seen.
Grayson has wasted little time making additions. Brad Walker returns for a second spell, though his recent years have been blighted by injury, and he hasn’t played a competitive fixture since January. Reiss McNally arrives from Kidderminster with a solid National League North reputation, while full-back Jay Benn brings a winners’ medal from his time at Bradford City. These are promising if low-profile signings—cost-effective and versatile, if not headline-grabbing.
There is, however, a long way to go. Just 14 players are currently under contract, including veteran Nicky Featherstone and a handful of academy graduates. Trialists have been brought in—Josh Harrop and Ben Williams among them—but much hinges on whether Pools can convince stars like Mani Dieseruvwe and Joe Grey to stay. Losing either would be a blow. Losing both could be catastrophic.
Infrastructure, Atmosphere, and the Rebuild Task
Beyond squad numbers and finances, Hartlepool are still grappling with legacy issues from the 2024/25 campaign. The pitch at Victoria Park came under heavy criticism last season, and there’s no clear indication of a major summer overhaul. While Grayson’s pragmatic style may suit imperfect surfaces, poor conditions could affect consistency and exacerbate the challenges already posed by opposition with superior resources.
Captaincy is also unresolved following Luke Waterfall’s departure, although Tom Parkes is expected to step into the role. He was a vocal presence last term and already held the armband in Waterfall’s absence. Grayson will need that leadership both on the pitch and in the dressing room, especially with so many new faces expected to arrive.
Perhaps the most intangible—but equally important—task facing Grayson is rebuilding fan unity. Singh’s return was divisive, and while the financial commitment is admirable, deep-rooted scepticism remains among the fanbase. Promotion is rarely won in an atmosphere of discontent. Grayson must not only mould a competitive side but also reconnect the club to its supporters. That may be his hardest challenge of all.
Conclusion: A Bridge Too Far This Season?
So, will Hartlepool United return to the Football League this season? The answer, sadly, is probably not.
This is a club in flux—short on players, operating with a reduced budget, and still unsure of its long-term ownership. While Grayson is a capable manager, his last promotion came in 2015 and this is his first time managing in non-league. Pools will be relying on togetherness, underdog spirit, and smart recruitment—qualities they have shown before, but rarely all at once in recent years.
If Dieseruvwe and Grey stay, and if trialists impress, a late charge into the play-off mix isn’t out of the question. But realistically, 2025/26 looks like another transitional year. Stability must come first. Without it, the dream of bouncing back to the EFL remains just that—a dream.
