Exclusive: SIX investors examine Hartlepool United books as potential takeover edges closer

The Mail has learned that SIX potential investors have signed NDAs which grants them access to the club’s books.

All are said to be regarded as credible by Pools, after various meetings with the club top brass were staged over the festive period.

Interested parties had to provide proof of funds to club solicitors, a sum which was set at £3million in order to smoke out those who were serious about putting their money where their mouth is.

And despite difficulties on the pitch, and struggles to make ends meet off it, confidence is high that a deal can be struck for fresh cash to be injected into Pools in the not too distant future.

What is not known at this stage is whether any of the half dozen potential consortia or investors are keen to buy Pools outright, or whether they want to purchase a share of the football club.

One potential investor has gone as far to ask for a period of exclusivity, where they alone can go through the process of due diligence unchallenged, but have been told they must pay a sum up front in order to do that.

As yet, they have not come forward with it. No firm offer has been made for Hartlepool United Football Club.

Last month current owner John Blackledge, of Sage Investments, put the club up for sale.

Blackledge assumed control of Pools from Gary Coxall and recruitment firm JPNG in June.

A number of financial problems have since been uncovered by chief executive Pam Duxbury, responsible for the day-to-day running of the club.

And while Duxbury, a chartered accountant, has attempted to balance the books it has become clear that the club needs fresh investment to cope with relegation into the National League.

On December 22, she said: “We just need that new investor to help push it along.

“It’s in a good place for the right custodian to take over.”