Honorary President Jeff Stelling & club ambassador Savannah Marshall react to key Hartlepool United roles

Hartlepool United have made two key off-field appointments - with Jeff Stelling returning as Honorary President and Savannah Marshall named as official Club Ambassador.

The club say the appointments ‘mark an important step under the stewardship of owner and chairman Landon Smith’. It comes as Smith is set to return to the North East this week and attend the National League fixture at home to Carlisle United on Wednesday evening.

Stelling stood down as honorary president of Hartlepool in May last year in protest at the handling of the proposed sale of the club by former chairman Raj Singh.

Singh subsequently wrote to National League clubs to ask for the former Sky Sports presenter to not be allocated dignitary places or seating in boardrooms this season, but after American businessman Smith completed his purchase of Pools on December 31, he made clear his intention to bring Stelling, who currently hosts a breakfast show on talkSPORT, back into the fold and that has now been confirmed.

A club statement confirming the move, read: “Their involvement strengthens Hartlepool United’s voice beyond the pitch, as they support key matchdays, community initiatives and commercial activity while championing the club nationally and internationally.

“In his open letter to supporters following the takeover, Landon Smith made clear his intention to welcome Stelling back into a formal role. This appointment delivers on that commitment, while also securing Marshall’s long-term support as the club continues to build for the future.”

What has Landon Smith, owner and chairman of Hartlepool United said?

“Over the past two months, I’ve spent a lot of time listening and meeting people connected to Hartlepool United, and it’s become clear just how important Jeff and Savannah are to this club and this town. When you meet people of their stature, sometimes reputation can outweigh reality. With Jeff and Savannah, it was the opposite. I was hugely impressed. Their passion for Pools is genuine, their connection to the town is authentic and both can contribute incredible value to this club’s journey.

“These appointments are about bringing the club together and channelling passion, knowledge and skill sets in the right way. Formalising their involvement as Honorary President and Ambassador is an important step as we start to put in place strong foundations, governance, connections and resources for the long-term future of Pools.”

What has Jeff Stelling said about his new Hartlepool United role?

“Hartlepool United has been part of my life for as long as I can remember. I’ve supported the club through the highs and the lows, like every Poolie. To now have the opportunity to once again formally represent Pools is something I’m incredibly proud of. I’ve had positive conversations with Landon and I’ve been impressed by his approach.

“He is taking the time to listen and understand the club and he is focused on doing things properly. There is no rush to make promises, just a clear commitment to building in the right way. I would not have returned in any capacity if I did not believe in what is being done. If I can play even a small part in helping restore Pools, I will give it everything.”

Savannah Marshall reacts to new club ambassador role at Hartlepool United

Marshall is an undisputed world boxing champion in two weight classes, super-middleweight and middleweight.

“I sat with Landon at the game against Altrincham and I was struck by how quickly he grasped what this club means to the town and its supporters. He’s taken the time to listen and understand and he’s been clear that success has to be built properly, not rushed.

“You can see he cares about doing things the right way and protecting the long-term interests of the club. That matters to me. I love Hartlepool United and I’m here for the long term. The club is woven into this community and I’m proud to step into this role. Whatever I can do to help move it forward, inspire young people and represent it in the right way, I will.”

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