Hartlepool United announce two new Board appointments with Adrian Bevington and Lee Rust taking up roles.
Lee has already been working with the Board and supporting club operations in various capacities over the last 12 months. In a relatively short period he’s been instrumental in some key areas including: signing the stadium development MOU with the local council; securing the new Durham University partnership which has transformed the club’s training environment into one of the best in the northeast; assisting restructure of the off-field commercial team including recruiting a new COO; and supporting the Manager with player contracting and staffing appointments during the rapid transition from National League into EFL.
Lee will formally take up a position as Senior Advisor to the Board helping with longer-term business planning as well as continuing to support roll out of some specific commercial and sporting undertakings as the club more immediately looks to establish itself sustainably in the EFL.
Lee spoke about his new role:
“It’s been a real privilege to work with Hartlepool United over the past year and it’s something that I’ve enjoyed greatly. The club has truly remarkable support from its fans, staff and Chairman and it has so much potential. I’m looking forward to hopefully helping the club unlock more of that potential and taking the next steps in the journey.”
Adrian has been at the very top of the football pyramid with previous senior management roles at the FA, Nottingham Forest and more recently Middlesbrough FC. He has also worked with UEFA, The Welsh FA, leading sports agency Pitch International LLP and digital platform Dugout. He currently works with North American owned FinTech company CRED Investments deploying significant capital across European football based on data.
Acting as a Non-Executive Director Adrian will support various matters primarily in an advisory capacity including working with Lee and Dave to re-establish academy and recruitment systems, which have been recognised as key components for the club to progress both in football and financial terms. He will also support the stadium development plans through his network and contacts.
Adrian spoke about his new role:
“With such a feeling of positivity around the club, I’m delighted that Raj has asked me to join Hartlepool United as a Non-Executive Director. Watching the games has been brilliant with the fantastic atmosphere the fans are generating at Victoria Park and away from home. This in combination with the outstanding job Dave Challinor, his staff and the team are doing has given the club superb foundations to build on.”
“Hopefully I can draw on my experience and relationships in the game to support Raj, Lee, Dave, Stephen and all the loyal and hard working staff to help continue with this positive momentum.”
Chairman, Raj Singh, commented on the two new appointments:
“I think the formal appointments of both Lee and Adrian are further proof that people are starting to believe in this club and what it can go to achieve. Lee and I have spoken at length over the past year about strengthening the Board in key positions with a view of longer term goals. It now feels like the right time and I’m pleased to be taking initial steps in this area for the club.”
“Lee’s background in professional sport, commercial and facility development has been evident in spades. He has quietly and professionally gone about business behind the scenes over the last 12 months, putting in a lot of hours and he’s done a tremendous job for us in some key areas, including with the manager’s contract. I’m delighted to secure him moving forward.”
“I’m also delighted to newly welcome Adrian to the club. People in football will likely know Adrian and I genuinely feel it is a huge coup for a club in league two to secure somebody of his calibre and with his contacts. He is a massive football fan and wants to get involved to help and make a difference. He was at the Rangers match last week and then Newcastle Leeds on Friday and then travelled to Oldham with me on Saturday… and you don’t cover those sorts of miles unless you love the game!”