'I can't wait' says excited Hartlepool United super fan Jeff Stelling after club's takeover

Hartlepool United rang out the old and rang in the new.

And I imagine, like me, every Poolie had an extra glass or two that night.

I had received a message that lunchtime which read "deal done” but I did not dare believe it.

So it was a relief when later that afternoon the club confirmed new ownership.

There are many things I could say about the previous owner, some good and some not so good, but I think that is best consigned to the recent history books.

I am just happy that the club can look forward to the future with positivity and that I am not banished from home and away boardrooms.

In fact, despite the previous owner’s letter, clubs like Aldershot, Yeovil, Altrincham, Braintree, Eastleigh and Gainsborough have invited me into their boardroom.

The truth is that I have loved standing with the fans (at least when we are playing well) and I might recommend that new owner Landon Smith gives it a try.

I understand people will want to know about Landon and his plans for Pools.

Obviously he is a successful and well-established American businessman.

I chatted to him via video for an hour and, without betraying confidences, I found him to be a truly nice, normal family guy.

He loves football and has considered getting into ownership for some time.

He looked at a number of clubs and Hartlepool was conclusively his number one choice.

My impression was that he is prepared to be patient. Change won’t happen overnight.

Though he will have feet on the ground, Landon is based thousands of miles away so can’t just pop in to see how things are running!

And please don’t expect a Wrexham! Let’s all be happy with steady progress in a happy ship!

There have been times recently when I admit I thought I was falling out of love with football and my club.

Now I realise the flame is burning as brightly as ever.

Landon plans to be in England for the Altrincham, Gateshead and Brackley games.

Let’s make him realise buying Pools is the best thing he has ever done and get 100% behind him.

I can’t wait.