New Hartlepool United owner Landon Smith outlines exciting plans for National League club after takeover done
New Hartlepool United owner Landon Smith has outlined his plans for the club.
New Hartlepool United owner Landon Smith has outlined his exciting plans for the club after a dramatic takeover was confirmed on New Year’s Eve.
But he has called for patience and stressed the “immediate priority is to ensure a smooth transition period and to support the current staff and team with their endeavours this season”. News that Smith had acquired a ‘full controlling stake’ in Hartlepool United with immediate effect was announced on Wednesday teatime. The news brings to an end Raj Singh's eight-year spell as the club's owner. It was also revealed Smith had looked at ‘several National League and EFL clubs’ before opting for Pools.
Smith - an American investor and co-founder of real estate company Tailwind Group - has also outlined some of the key plans for the club longer term. They are:
· Returning to EFL
· Developing a full player and club pathway model
· Enhancing financial sustainability, including through commercial growth
· Enhancing engagement with supporters and community stakeholders
· Investment in facilities and people
· Respecting and protecting club heritage
New Hartlepool United owner Landon Smith statement in full:
Smith said: “I am delighted and honoured to take the reins as the latest steward at Hartlepool United. Our immediate priority is to ensure a smooth transition period and to support the current staff and team with their endeavours this season. That work will start straight away. Our longer-term vision is built around key cornerstones and guiding principles of:
· returning to EFL
· developing a full player and club pathway model
· enhancing financial sustainability, including through commercial growth
· enhancing engagement with supporters and community stakeholders
· investment in facilities and people
· respecting and protecting club heritage
“In the coming weeks and months, we will set out more details around those investment priorities. I would ask supporters and partners to be patient as we will be undertaking a full review of operations ahead of planning for next season and beyond. I want to thank the departing owner, Raj Singh, and the transaction team on both sides. The process has been straightforward and professional from start to finish.
“Having looked at several National League and EFL clubs, it was clear to see the potential with Pools, including the benefit of the foundation work that has been put in under the current owner’s tenure. I’m looking forward to building on that, and I’m fully committed to investing in the club for what I hope will be a very exciting future.”
A Hartlepool United statement added: “Hartlepool United would like to thank everyone for their continued loyalty, and we look forward to embarking on this new journey and chapter with our loyal supporters, staff, and partners.”
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