Here are 12 problems facing potential new Hartlepool United owners.
5. Keeping the core of the current squad together
Although Saturday's humbling defeat to Rochdale was a reminder of how far Pools still have to go, there has been a sense throughout another underwhelming campaign that the current squad has real potential to be competitive with a handful of additions. The likes of Joel Dixon, Jack Robinson, Greg Sloggett, Manny Onariase and Kieran Wallace seem almost certain to leave, while skipper Luke Waterfall could also be headed for the exit, but Pools would do well to keep as many of the remainder as possible. Add to that in the right areas, which would be a welcome change from the wholesale makeovers fans have grown accustomed to in recent years, and Pools could be well-placed to challenge next season. Photo: Frank Reid
6. Playing catch-up with many of their National League rivals
The longer the takeover drags on, the more difficult the task facing potential new owners becomes this summer. Further delays not only leaves Pools vulnerable to losing many of their prize assets, but it also means that lots of possible new recruits will head elsewhere. If that happens, then even the most ambitious of new owners might struggle to make up for lost time. Photo: Frank Reid
7. Rebuilding the fractured relationship with fans
Looming large over Raj Singh's tumultuous tenure, particularly since relegation back to the National League in 2023, has been the rift between the fans and the club's controversial owner. Some supporters of long-standing have even stayed away from home games as a point of principle. For a club like Hartlepool, where the football team remains the heart of the town and the supporters are so inextricably linked to its success or failure, that is unacceptable. If new owners do come in, then they must do everything in their power to rebuild the relationship and give fans a team - and, more to the point, a club - to be proud of once again. Photo: Frank Reid
8. Deciding what to do about Anthony Mancini
The mercurial midfielder's talent has never been in doubt but injuries have plagued him throughout his Pools career. The Frenchman managed just 14 appearances in his debut Pools campaign and, while he has improved on that this term, turning out 25 times, he has been sidelined for large parts of 2025. Given that he is so talented - indeed, you could make a compelling case that he is the most gifted member of the Pools squad - but also so temperamental, new owners could well have a decision to make on his future. His impact when he is available must be weighed up against the likelihood that he will spend large parts of the season on the treatment table. It's a challenging but significant conundrum, and most fans would surely like to see their side stick with the attacker for at least one more campaign. Photo: Frank Reid