New Chapter Begins at Hartlepool United Following Ownership Change..
- Dec 31, 2025
- 3 min read
Hartlepool United FC "To Enter a New Era" as Club Takeover Is Completed...
31st December 2025
Hartlepool United Football Club has officially entered a new chapter in its history following confirmation that a full takeover of the Club has now been completed.
In a press release issued this evening, its been announced that American investor Landon Smith, co-founder of real estate company Tailwind Group, has acquired a 100% controlling stake in Hartlepool United with immediate effect, bringing an end to nearly eight years of ownership under outgoing Chairman Raj Singh.
The change of ownership is said to mark a significant moment for the Club, which has spent recent seasons outside the Football League while continuing efforts to stabilise finances and rebuild its footballing infrastructure.
Raj Singh Bids Farewell After Nearly Eight Years
Speaking following the completion of the takeover, Mr Singh reflected on his tenure as owner and chairman, describing it as a “real privilege” to have acted as custodian of the Club during a challenging period in its history.
Singh took control of Hartlepool United when the Club was in a “very difficult position” and said his primary aim was always to leave it in a stronger state than when he found it. While acknowledging that sustained Football League status was not achieved, he pointed to several high points, including promotion at Ashton Gate, memorable cup runs, an FA Cup fourth-round tie against Crystal Palace, and a Papa John’s Trophy semi-final that came within penalties of a first-ever Wembley appearance.
He also highlighted longer-term progress made behind the scenes, including extended financial stability, commercial growth, the formation of a developing academy system, and improved operational readiness for a return to the EFL.
Singh revealed that the search for a suitable buyer took more than two and a half years and was, at times, personally taxing. However, he said he's now “delighted” to hand the Club over to an owner he believes is well placed to take it forward.
Importantly for supporters, Singh confirmed that Landon Smith passed all Football League and FA ownership criteria, including the submission of detailed business plans and proof of funding, and praised the professionalism and confidentiality of the takeover process.
He concluded by thanking the Club’s board, staff, players, volunteers, partners, and supporters, describing Hartlepool United as “an incredible Club with some of the most incredible supporters in the game,” and stated that he will now follow the Club as a fan.
New Owner Sets Out Vision for the Future
New owner Landon Smith said he was “delighted and honoured” to take on stewardship of Hartlepool United and stressed that his immediate priority is to ensure a smooth transition while supporting the existing staff and playing squad for the remainder of the season.
Looking ahead, Smith outlined a clear long-term vision built around several key principles, including:
A return to the English Football League
Development of a full player and club pathway model
Strengthening financial sustainability through commercial growth
Improved engagement with supporters and the local community
Investment in facilities and people
Respecting and protecting the Club’s heritage
Smith said a full review of Club operations will take place before detailed plans for next season and beyond are announced, asking supporters and partners for patience during this period.
He also paid tribute to Raj Singh and all those involved in the takeover process, describing it as straightforward and professional, and stated that after reviewing several National League and EFL clubs, Hartlepool United stood out due to its potential and the groundwork already laid.
“I’m fully committed to investing in the Club for what I hope will be a very exciting future,” Smith said.
In closing, Hartlepool United thanked supporters, staff, and partners for their continued loyalty, stating that the Club now looks forward to embarking on this new journey under new ownership.
For Pools supporters, attention will now turn to how quickly the new ownership can translate ambition into progress on and off the pitch — but for now, a long-awaited takeover has finally been completed and a new era for the club officially begins.
