Hartlepool United issue plea for investment

Pools owners have been battling to keep the club out of administration, which would incur an automatic 10-point penalty and increase the likelihood of relegation to the National League North.

After John Blackledge pulled the plug on cash, the club have been plunged into a period of financial uncertainty.

And, as things stand, they are struggling to make ends meet with a number of bills overdue, as well as wages and running costs to cover between now and the end of the month.

Pools were recently forced to go back to the drawing board after Sage Investments deal with Hartlepool entrepreneur broke down. The property magnate pulled out despite not taking up the option of due diligence.

In light of that, Pools are keen to smoke out anyone who is keen to invest in their "iconic club".

And they insist everyone at Victoria Park is doing everything within their power to make sure the club does not go under.

A statement read: "The club wishes to assure all supporters, members of the local community and stakeholders that everything possible is being done to save the club from insolvency by ensuring we can engage with genuinely interested parties in equity ownership to find a long term solution for the club.

"Naturally, it is extremely disappointing that interest shown to date has not come to fruition. However, the club understands that there has been significant interest to date, and there have been further and new expressions of interest.

"What is clear is that if timescales were permitting there is little doubt that an iconic club such as Hartlepool United FC would have little difficulty attracting a new equity owner, who is looking to invest in and engage in owning a football club for the long term.

"There have been several expressions of interest of some people willing to join together as part of a consortium, but may not have known others to join in with. With this in mind therefore we would urge anyone that is thinking along these lines that they should contact the solicitor with their appetite for equity investment and proof of funds for that level.

"Pending further announcements the club will not be making any further specific comments at this time and all potential equity investor enquiries can be directed to Geoff Cunningham at Walker Morris – [email protected] who is representing the current owner, Sage Investments."