Over the last season I have spent much time reflecting on the current situation at Hartlepool United, particularly in respect of our league status, the football department and supporter satisfaction.
I formally and publicly opened the Club up to takeover or investment bids at the end of last season following some supporter requests to do so. To date we have not received a viable proposition. At the point of putting the Club up for sale I also took a step back from the running of the Club.
Now, in the continued absence of any takeover and moving forward, I feel I need to more permanently implement a means for the Club to operate, in order to give the Club the best chance to prepare for next season with clarity and also in line with what a lot of supporters have asked for.
I have been working with senior staff and long-standing supporters to identify new strategic management and shared responsibilities. As part of that process I have also recognised the requests to have more varied and challenging input including through supporter representation.
As such we will be expanding a new look Board of Directors for Hartlepool United that will have additional positions for individuals with supplementary skill sets and/or long-standing affiliations to the Club.
Specifically, there will be Board roles that support and supervise football activities, commercial activities and supporter engagement including through official fan representation. I will continue to support the Club financially, but I will take a more permanent step back from its day-to-day management.
I hope to announce the new Board members soon and with that I will provide more information as to how the Board will operate and its aims.
You may also have seen in recent days that Ronnie Moore has been appointed as the Club’s new Chief Scout. Again, this will form part of a new operation including with recruitment endeavours.
My aim is that these changes will provide a well-structured management team moving forward, which ultimately could benefit and support any custodian of the Club.
Finally, and as I have always said since day one of my tenure, I remain open to any investment proposal that could realistically and sustainably progress the Club, but at the same time I can’t keep waiting for an offer that may or may not come and keep the Club in limbo. I will continue to support Hartlepool United to the very best of my abilities in any interim and I believe these additions will promote that.
HUFC Chairman
Raj Singh
