Hartlepool United acting executive director Martin Jesper discusses fan ownership model and the lessons that can be learned from his former clubs Darlington and Hearts

The new acting executive director has previously helped Pools’ rivals Darlington make the transition into fan ownership as chief executive as well as seeing Scottish side Hearts make moves in the same direction during his time at the club.

Hartlepool chairman Raj Singh has openly discussed his intentions to get supporters more involved with the club financially as well as bringing in more investors to help make the business more sustainable.

Conversations have been held with supporters groups and a budget booster set up by fans has raised over £21,000 for the club so far.

Regarding the future of Pools’ ownership, Jesper told The Mail: “There are lessons to be learned in terms of ownership but a lot of it depends on what the supporters actually want.

"By having some kind of participation in terms of shares and equity and what is it that is required from them in return for that?

"It works both ways, it’s from the club’s perspective and the supporter’s perspective and that’s a conversation that needs to be had.

"Within fan ownership, there are great models and there are poor models. Wycombe and Portsmouth were fan owned and have since sold out to entrepreneurs because they’ve realised it’s not sustainable for them.

"Obviously, the Hearts situation is still pending which will be an interesting one because it would become the biggest fan-owned club in the UK."

Although he’s sceptical on the idea of fan ownership at Hartlepool, Jesper feels increased participation with supporters would be invaluable.

“I think people are divided on whether fan ownership works but in terms of participation, I think that’s a route that definitely should be explored,” he added.

“That’s because at the bottom line, it strengthens the communication and the engagement between the club and the supporter base which is what we’re looking to do more of.

"I see it being invaluable from that perspective as a long term, sustainable solution but to have complete fan ownership, I’m very sceptical about that given the size of Hartlepool as a club.”

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