Hartlepool United is delighted to confirm the appointment of Jeff Stelling as Honorary President and Savannah Marshall as official Club Ambassador.
The roles formalise and secure the involvement of two of the town’s most respected sporting figures and mark an important step under the stewardship of Owner and Chairman Landon Smith.
The appointments form part of Smith’s long-term strategy to strengthen governance, deepen community connection and enhance commercial partnerships, laying the foundations for sustainable growth at Pools.
Marshall and Stelling met with Smith during his initial visit to Hartlepool in January following completion of the takeover and have since committed to playing an active role in supporting the Club’s plans and journey.
The announcement comes as Smith returns to the town this week to attend Wednesday’s home fixture against Carlisle United, continuing his programme of engagement as he shapes the Club’s long-term direction.
Savannah Marshall is an undisputed world boxing champion in two weight classes, super-middleweight and middleweight. As a proud Hartlepool native and lifelong supporter, she has carried the town’s name onto the global stage, rising from a decorated amateur to Olympian to world title winner.
Jeff Stelling is one of the most respected and recognisable broadcasters in English football. He anchored Sky Sports’ flagship programme Soccer Saturday for nearly three decades, becoming synonymous with Saturday afternoon football coverage across the country and currently hosts a breakfast show on talkSPORT.
A lifelong Pools supporter who grew up in Hartlepool, his association with the Club spans generations, and his voice has long been closely linked with Hartlepool United both locally and nationally.
Together, Marshall and Stelling bring significant sporting and media influence, alongside a deep understanding of both the town and the Club built over decades. Their involvement strengthens Hartlepool United’s voice beyond the pitch, as they support key matchdays,
community initiatives and commercial activity while championing the Club nationally and internationally.
In his open letter to supporters following the takeover, Landon Smith made clear his intention to welcome Stelling back into a formal role. This appointment delivers on that commitment, while also securing Marshall’s long-term support as the Club continues to build for the future.
Landon Smith, Owner and Chairman of Hartlepool United said: “Over the past two months, I’ve spent a lot of time listening and meeting people connected to Hartlepool United, and it’s become clear just how important Jeff and Savannah are to this Club and this town.
“When you meet people of their stature, sometimes reputation can outweigh reality. With Jeff and Savannah, it was the opposite. I was hugely impressed. Their passion for Pools is genuine, their connection to the town is authentic and both can contribute incredible value to this Club’s journey.”
“These appointments are about bringing the Club together and channelling passion, knowledge and skill sets in the right way. Formalising their involvement as Honorary President and Ambassador is an important step as we start to put in place strong foundations, governance, connections and resources for the long-term future of Pools.”
Jeff Stelling said: “Hartlepool United has been part of my life for as long as I can remember. I’ve supported the Club through the highs and the lows, like every Poolie. To now have the opportunity to once again formally represent Pools is something I’m incredibly proud of.
“I’ve had positive conversations with Landon, and I’ve been impressed by his approach. He is taking the time to listen and understand the Club, and he is focused on doing things properly. There is no rush to make promises, just a clear commitment to building in the right way.
“I would not have returned in any capacity if I did not believe in what is being done. If I can play even a small part in helping restore Pools, I will give it everything.”
Savannah Marshall said: “I sat with Landon at the game against Altrincham and I was struck by how quickly he grasped what this Club means to the town and its supporters.
He’s taken the time to listen and understand and he’s been clear that success has to be built properly, not rushed. You can see he cares about doing things the right way and protecting the long-term interests of the Club. That matters to me.
“I love Hartlepool United and I’m here for the long term. The Club is woven into this community and I’m proud to step into this role. Whatever I can do to help move it forward, inspire young people and represent it in the right way, I will.”
