Hartlepool United Completes Sale to American Developer Landon Smith

Hartlepool United currently holds the ninth position in the National League table.

The long-anticipated sale of Hartlepool United has been finalized, with American real estate developer Landon Smith acquiring the club. The takeover was officially announced on December 31, nearly three years after the club was first placed on the market by former owner Raj Singh.

In a statement confirming the acquisition of full control “with immediate effect,” the deal is heralded as a pivotal moment in the club’s history.

Smith, co-founder and principal partner of Minnesota-based Tailwind Group, expressed his intent to restore Hartlepool to the English Football League. He also emphasized plans to invest in the club both on and off the pitch, aiming to improve its financial sustainability. “Having evaluated several National League and EFL clubs, it was evident that Hartlepool possesses substantial potential, particularly the foundational work established during the previous ownership,” Smith commented on the club’s website.

He added, “I am eager to build upon that foundation and am fully committed to investing in the club for what I envision as a highly promising future.”

Raj Singh departs following nearly eight years at the helm. He led a well-known consortium that included broadcaster Jeff Stelling. Although the club achieved promotion back to the EFL in 2021, it fell back to non-league status after just two seasons.

This relegation prompted Singh to seek new ownership, but the prolonged negotiations with potential buyers caused unrest among fans, ultimately leading him to resign as chairman in March due to personal abuse received from some supporters.

The lengthy takeover process also resulted in Stelling stepping down as president in May, citing concerns over Singh’s approach to dealing with prospective buyers.

In his statement announcing the sale, Singh remarked, “The search for a suitable owner has taken far longer than I ever imagined, and at various points, I questioned my continued role. Landon brings enthusiasm, expertise, and financial resources that should greatly benefit the club in its next chapter. I encourage all supporters to rally behind him and to be patient and understanding as plans and progress unfold.”