Dear Poolies,
As I make the journey home to the United States after my second visit to Hartlepool, I have taken time to reflect on what this past week has meant.
When I first visited in January, my priority was simple: to listen and understand before speaking about the future. I wanted to appreciate the club properly, its people and its place within the town. What I perhaps did not fully express at the time was the personal impact that initial visit had on me. I returned home and spoke with my family about the pride I witnessed, the strength of identity that surrounds this club and the incredible warmth of welcome I received. I was truly humbled, and I am still adjusting to my stewardship under that remarkable setting.
Returning this week reinforced my feelings and the Carlisle fixture on Wednesday was a magnificent example of what this club can represent. The atmosphere inside the ground, the energy from the stands, the commitment shown by the off-field operational staff and the performance from players were all exceptional. Victories matter, but so too does the spirit behind them and it was a memorable occasion, of which I hope we have many more.
It has now been eight weeks since I became custodian of Hartlepool United. Those weeks have been deliberate and much has been going on behind the scenes. I wanted to take time to understand how the club operates across various departments and to see and hear directly from those who are involved. Over the coming weeks and months, you will begin to see action.
In the immediate short term, there remains a focus on this season. There is a great deal of football to play and the football department are being fully supported as they push for a play- off place. We have implemented new data led recruitment and analysis tools, provided additional coaching support and away game support. Player recruitment will continue in a methodical manner and those who have been brought in have made impact.
At the same time, our broader objective to build a club capable of returning to the English Football League and sustaining its place continues. That requires long term planning and there is much work to be done to ensure the club is ready in advance of the summer and also beyond, including with stronger foundations, governance and standards.
Ambition on the pitch must also be matched by strength off it. Over the past week, I have personally met with multiple local businesses and prospective partners. Their belief and support of the club is evident when our plan is presented with passion and substance. Those discussions I hope will translate into partnerships that strengthen Pools commercial
foundation for the longer term. The work with sponsors and partners is a critical aspect and I will continue to champion for local and national businesses to help us write our new chapter.
Investing in our future also means investing in our talent. During this visit, I spent time with our Academy, held discussions with Alex Cross our Academy Manager about its direction and watched one of the in-house development games. It was important for me to see that work first-hand. There is a genuine commitment to building a pathway into the first team for both local and regional talent, whilst also supporting education and holistic development.
This club ultimately belongs to its supporters. Of all the meetings during this visit, my time with the Hartlepool United Supporters Panel was perhaps the most prominent. It built directly on the commitment I made in January to listen and engage with fans. Now in its second year, the Panel provides a structured forum for dialogue and supporter feedback. The discussion was open and direct, as it should be, and I look forward to seeing the panel further develop with constructive and consistent dialogue between supporters, club staff and management.
Linked to supporter and panel feedback, we are reviewing practical improvements to the stadium to enhance the matchday experience and we are working through the best options to upgrade the pitch this summer so that it supports the football we want to see.
Supporters will also now be aware that the club has formally confirmed the appointment of Jeff Stelling as Honorary President and Savannah Marshall as Club Ambassador. Their involvement ensures Pools is represented by people who understand where it has come from, and I hope they will also help shape where it is going. In ambassador roles both will represent Hartlepool with authentic connection, credibility and exposure that can support the club to reach its potential and promote our journey to new audiences.
Finally, during this visit, I also spent time at Alice House Hospice. The club has supported Alice House for many years, and it mattered to me to see that relationship first-hand. Meeting the team and hearing about the work they do for families across Hartlepool reinforced that this club’s responsibility does not begin and end on a matchday. Through our network and the club’s Sports Foundation, we will continue to support communities and organisations like Alice House across the town and beyond.
Overall, this visit has reinforced my belief in what this club can become and the remarkable potential it holds. My focus now is on building something sustainable, ambitious and worthy of this town. That will not be achieved through noise or short-term gestures, but through standards, discipline and consistent leadership over a longer-term.
It will require an element of patience and shared resolve, guided by clear direction. We will move forward with purpose and supporters will be updated regularly.
Thank you once again for the welcome you have shown me. I will be returning in early March and look forward to bringing my wife so she can experience first-hand the club and town that have already made such an impression on me.
Landon Smith
Owner & Chairman, Hartlepool United Football Club
