Here, our Hartlepool United writer Robbie Stelling has taken a look at five of the biggest decisions facing new Pools owner Landon Smith ahead of what promises to be a summer of significant change.
1. Is Nicky Featherstone the right man to lead Pools next season?
Much like during his 11 years as a Pools player, Nicky Featherstone has divided fans since replacing Simon Grayson as manager, initially on an interim basis, in October. The new Pools owner will have to decide whether to put his faith in Featherstone or look elsewhere ahead of the 2026/27 campaign. Photo: Frank Reid
2. What to do about the behind-the-scenes staff?
In the wake of his takeover, Smith said he was looking forward to putting together a new leadership team to help Pools progress on and off the pitch. Especially bearing in mind that Smith's home, family and business interests are all in the United States, having people he trusts fill important positions feels particularly important. Photo: Frank Reid
3. How much change is too much?
Yet it's also true that there are plenty of people already at the club who had been working hard to help move Pools forward in difficult circumstances during former owner Raj Singh's notoriously stormy stewardship. Smith will have to strike a careful balance between the need for change and the importance of a degree of continuity. Photo: Frank Reid
4. How much to invest in the playing squad - and what other areas need an injection of cash?
The majority of Pools fans are unlikely to demand that their side blow their rivals out the water in the summer transfer market, but a level of investment in the playing squad feels important. With Pools eagerly implementing a new data-led approach to recruitment, fans will be hoping the financial backing to make Smith's first summer at the helm a successful one will be forthcoming. Photo: Frank Reid