Controversial owner trying to get Sky Sports legend BANNED from matches on after he spoke out about running of club
HART AND SOUL Controversial owner trying to get Sky Sports legend BANNED from matches on after he spoke out about running of club
HARTLEPOOL UNITED chairman Raj Singh has called on club legend Jeff Stelling to be BANNED from National League boardrooms.
Sky Sports icon Stelling, 70, resigned as Pools' honorary chairman in May amid frustration over the club's takeover situation.
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Jeff Stelling is a huge Hartlepool fan but resigned as the club's honorary chairman in May
Credit: Getty
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Raj Singh has called on Stelling to be banned from boardrooms
Credit: Getty
Singh, 60, placed the club up for sale in April 2023 but has not managed to get a deal over the line.
The feud between Stelling and the Hartlepool chief appears to have escalated, with Singh writing to league rivals asking for Stelling not to be granted boardroom access at games.
As revealed by talkSPORT, a letter penned by Singh to other National League clubs read: "Dear Club Chair/Secretary, You may be aware from media coverage that Jeff Stelling has resigned as Honorary President of Hartlepool United Football Club.
"As Chairman of Hartlepool United Football Club I would kindly and considerately ask that Mr Stelling is therefore not provided with official HUFC dignitary spaces in your board room or equivalent for any Hartlepool United fixture at your home ground.
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"In the unlikely event that Mr Stelling independently attends any Hartlepool United fixture at your home ground, I'd further request that you consider to seat Mr Stelling separately to any HUFC dignitaries or staff.
"Kind regards, Raj Singh Chairman Hartlepool United Football Club."
Hartlepool's local MP Jonathan Brash has also written a letter to National League clubs.
Brash said that he does not share Singh's views, and asked for Stelling to be "afforded the warm welcome and courtesy he rightly deserves whenever Hartlepool United visit your club".
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Responding to Brash on X, Stelling wrote: "Jonathan thanks so much for that.
"I am pretty sure most clubs will be as gracious with me as they always have been.
Fans beg Jeff Stelling 'please don't go' as Soccer Saturday host celebrates goal from beloved Hartlepool for last time
"If not I have got no problem being with the travelling Poolies!"
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Hartlepool were relegated from the EFL in 2023.
They have since finished 12th and 11th during their two seasons back in the National League.
A consortium headed up by local businesswoman Shirley Hammond has tried to purchase the club from Singh.
Stelling's resignation came in protest at talks between the two parties having stalled.
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The Soccer Saturday legend said at the time: "I know this is only an honorary role, but it is the best way I felt I could protest against the treatment of the party trying to take control of the club."
Hartlepool are set to kick off their National League season this Saturday at Yeovil.
They will then host their home season opener against Braintree the following weekend.
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