
Jeff Stelling says he'd ‘rather sit with the fans' than in boardrooms after row with Hartlepool owner
The 70-year-old stood down as honorary president in May in protest at the owner's handling of negotiations to sell Hartlepool to a local consortium after talks had stalled, and while he believes he will not be welcome at the Prestige Group Stadium, he will continue to support his team on the road.
Asked about the situation on TalkSPORT on Wednesday morning, Stelling said: "You know what? It didn't bother me, I'm not president of the football club anymore.
"It's my football club, I'm a lifelong supporter of that football club and if it came down to the fact that I travelled and stood with the Poolies, the Hartlepool supporters, wherever they are, then that's...
"We're away to Yeovil on Saturday - I'd already bought my ticket to be with the fans, so I didn't get the issue or why Mr Singh wanted to raise it.
"But of course, then it was leaked to the media and then of course it all spiralled and spiralled out of control. The other thing that I took offence to was in the statement he says in the unlikely event that I attend games independently.
"Well, I mean, last season I went to Aldershot, Eastleigh, Solihull, Southend, Sutton, Wealdstone, Woking, Dagenham and Redbridge, Ebbsfleet, Maidenhead and a few others as well, so, it's not so unlikely that I'll attend."
Hartlepool issued a statement on Wednesday afternoon insisting that the letter was written asking opposition not to seat Stelling in "dignitary places".
A statement on the club website said: "For absolute clarity, neither the club nor chairman have asked for other clubs in the National League to exclude or ban Mr Stelling from matches at their grounds.
"The letter that the club recently sent to National League opposition simply informed opposition that Mr Stelling no longer held a formal role and considerately asked opposition not to allocate Mr Stelling dignitary places or seating, so as to avoid any unnecessary confusion or embarrassment on match days for the benefit of all parties including Mr Stelling.
ADVERTISEMENT
"Mr Stelling is of course able to attend away matches in any other capacity, as he stated was his intention when he resigned. At no point has the club or chairman requested or suggested that be otherwise."
In his letter - sent last month - Singh wrote: "You may be aware from media coverage that Jeff Stelling has resigned as honorary president of Hartlepool United Football Club.
"As chairman, I would kindly and considerately ask that Mr Stelling is not provided with official HUFC dignitary spaces in your boardroom or equivalent for any Hartlepool United fixture at your home ground.
"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."
In response to Singh's move, the town's MP Jonathan Brash has in turn written to National League clubs urging them to treat the popular broadcaster with the "respect and courtesy that he has most certainly earned".
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Irish Independent
7 hours ago
- Irish Independent
Jeff Stelling says he'd ‘rather sit with the fans' than in boardrooms after row with Hartlepool owner
Former Sky Sports and now TalkSPORT presenter Stelling joked on Tuesday evening that he might have to dress up as a Blues Brother to support the club after Raj Singh wrote to Pool's league rivals, urging them not to admit him to their boardrooms this season. The 70-year-old stood down as honorary president in May in protest at the owner's handling of negotiations to sell Hartlepool to a local consortium after talks had stalled, and while he believes he will not be welcome at the Prestige Group Stadium, he will continue to support his team on the road. Asked about the situation on TalkSPORT on Wednesday morning, Stelling said: "You know what? It didn't bother me, I'm not president of the football club anymore. "It's my football club, I'm a lifelong supporter of that football club and if it came down to the fact that I travelled and stood with the Poolies, the Hartlepool supporters, wherever they are, then that's... "We're away to Yeovil on Saturday - I'd already bought my ticket to be with the fans, so I didn't get the issue or why Mr Singh wanted to raise it. "But of course, then it was leaked to the media and then of course it all spiralled and spiralled out of control. The other thing that I took offence to was in the statement he says in the unlikely event that I attend games independently. "Well, I mean, last season I went to Aldershot, Eastleigh, Solihull, Southend, Sutton, Wealdstone, Woking, Dagenham and Redbridge, Ebbsfleet, Maidenhead and a few others as well, so, it's not so unlikely that I'll attend." Hartlepool issued a statement on Wednesday afternoon insisting that the letter was written asking opposition not to seat Stelling in "dignitary places". A statement on the club website said: "For absolute clarity, neither the club nor chairman have asked for other clubs in the National League to exclude or ban Mr Stelling from matches at their grounds. "The letter that the club recently sent to National League opposition simply informed opposition that Mr Stelling no longer held a formal role and considerately asked opposition not to allocate Mr Stelling dignitary places or seating, so as to avoid any unnecessary confusion or embarrassment on match days for the benefit of all parties including Mr Stelling. ADVERTISEMENT "Mr Stelling is of course able to attend away matches in any other capacity, as he stated was his intention when he resigned. At no point has the club or chairman requested or suggested that be otherwise." In his letter - sent last month - Singh wrote: "You may be aware from media coverage that Jeff Stelling has resigned as honorary president of Hartlepool United Football Club. "As chairman, I would kindly and considerately ask that Mr Stelling is not provided with official HUFC dignitary spaces in your boardroom or equivalent for any Hartlepool United fixture at your home ground. "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." In response to Singh's move, the town's MP Jonathan Brash has in turn written to National League clubs urging them to treat the popular broadcaster with the "respect and courtesy that he has most certainly earned".


The Irish Sun
15 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
Controversial owner trying to get Sky Sports legend BANNED from matches on after he spoke out about running of club
A local MP has also weighed in on the feud 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. Advertisement 2 Jeff Stelling is a huge Hartlepool fan but resigned as the club's honorary chairman in May Credit: Getty 2 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. Advertisement READ MORE IN FOOTBALL OUT ON YOUR SHIELD ITV lose rights to Community Shield as Prem curtain raiser moved "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". Advertisement BEST ONLINE CASINOS - TOP SITES IN THE UK 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!" Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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.


The Irish Sun
17 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
Inside Wrexham's pitch to Christian Eriksen that convinced top stars to join Reynolds and McElhenney's ‘chaotic' project
Wrexham could be on the brink of making a new club-record signing too WREX APPEAL Inside Wrexham's pitch to Christian Eriksen that convinced top stars to join Reynolds and McElhenney's 'chaotic' project WREXHAM'S Hollywood story is looking for its next batch of A-list stars ahead of the club's return to the Championship. High-profile owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney have sanctioned a summer of spending that they hope will make Wrexham competitive in the Championship following three consecutive promotions. Advertisement 8 Wrexham co-owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney have been trying to find some new stars for their Championship season Credit: PA 8 The Welsh club failed in an attempt to sign Christian Eriksen earlier this summer Credit: Getty Reynolds and McElhenney have transformed the Welsh club since taking over in 2021, and their impressive ambition has taken Wrexham from the National League to the Championship in record time. A huge part of that rise has been splashing the cash on signings who are considered better than the current level, attracting players who are already a step up from the division they're playing in. This summer saw their most ambitious effort so far when the club tried to convince former Manchester United and Tottenham star Christian Eriksen, 33, to head to the Racecourse. Eriksen, a 144-time Denmark international, only left Man Utd at the end of the season, bringing an end to a £150,000-per-week deal at Old Trafford. Advertisement READ MORE IN FOOTBALL OUT ON YOUR SHIELD ITV lose rights to Community Shield as Prem curtain raiser moved Wrexham's ambition to sign the Champions League veteran was clear, sending CEO Michael Williamson to present a two-year plan to Eriksen that detailed how they intend to reach the Premier League. According to the Mail Online, Eriksen was impressed by the "attractive" pitch, but made the decision to respectfully turn it down in the hopes of continuing to play top flight football next term. Speaking to the Mail, Eriksen's representative Martin Schoots said: "Wrexham are really upgrading everything both on and off the field and it is a hugely impressive project, as you can see from the presence of people like Michael there." Although Wrexham had missed out on their blockbuster name, their ambition and pitch had begun to make waves in the transfer market. Advertisement 8 Conor Coady has signed a two-year deal with Wrexham Credit: Getty 8 Wrexham are investing heavily on and off the pitch Credit: Getty CASINO SPECIAL - BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS It's claimed that word of their approach for Eriksen got around, changing the perspective of which players could actually be on the table for the Championship rookies. Advertisement Among those who had their head turned by the stories was former England international and Premier League regular Conor Coady. Wrexham stars celebrate in iconic Las Vegas casino and hijack luggage cart after Hollywood owners splash £500k on party Coady, 32, was soon tapped up by Wrexham's transfer team and penned a two-year deal at the Racecourse after Wrexham agreed a fee of around £2m to get him out of Leicester City. Like Eriksen, Coady was sold on a project that is seeing Wrexham improve their facilities as well as their squad. Work is underway on a new 7,750-capacity Kop stand that will take the stadium's total capacity to 18,000, more than Prem sides like Bournemouth and Brentford. Advertisement While a new £1.7m hybrid pitch with undersoil heating has been installed this summer to meet Fifa and Uefa requirements. There will be plenty of new stars gracing that pitch too, with Wrexham already signing EIGHT new faces this summer. It's claimed that they had set a summer budget of a whopping £20MILLION for boss Phil Parkinson, a number that was quickly passed around the transfer market and meant agents and clubs were offering up their players to the Welsh side. An insider told the Mail: "It feels a bit chaotic, with agents running the show to an extent." Advertisement But Wrexham appear happy with their spending, already splashing £11.1m of that hefty budget. That cash has gone on the likes of Kieffer Moore from Sheffield United, Lewis O'Brien from Nottingham Forest and even new full-back Liberato Cacace from Italian side Empoli. Wrexham's summer signings A look at who Wrexham have brought in ahead of their Championship campaign... Ryan Hardie - £750,000, Plymouth Argyle - £750,000, Plymouth Argyle Danny Ward - free, Leicester City - free, Leicester City Liberato Cacace - £2.16million, Empoli - £2.16million, Empoli George Thomason - £1.2m, Bolton Wanderers - £1.2m, Bolton Wanderers Josh Windass - free, Sheffield Wednesday - free, Sheffield Wednesday Lewis O'Brien - £3m, Nottingham Forest - £3m, Nottingham Forest Conor Coady - £2m, Leicester City - £2m, Leicester City Kieffer Moore - £2m, Sheffield United - £2m, Sheffield United TOTAL SPEND: £11.11million Reynolds and McEllhenney have been shrewd where possible too, signing experienced Championship striker Josh Windass from Sheffield Wednesday on a free transfer. Windass, who left Wednesday after the mutual termination of his contract amid their financial woes, had been the subject of interest from a slew of other Championship clubs but still chose Wrexham. Advertisement While Welsh international goalkeeper Danny Ward was also snapped up from Leicester on a free. Perhaps the big-ticket star is yet to arrive too, with reports suggesting Wrexham are edging towards completing a club record £7.5MILLION deal to sign Nathan Broadhead from Ipswich Town. That deal is thought to have been agreed in principle last week, but Broadhead's exit is yet to be sanctioned by Ipswich boss Kieran McKenna. Wrexham will need all their new faces firing and ready to go from the off as they face a baptism of fire for their first game back in the Championship. Advertisement The Red Dragons take on relegated Prem side Southampton at St Mary's on Saturday, a test that will show them just how difficult life in the second tier can be. 8 Josh Windass joined Wrexham from Sheffield Wednesday on a free transfer Credit: 8 Kieffer Moore has arrived from Sheffield United Credit: Instagram @wrexham_afc 8 Nottingham Forest midfielder Lewis O'Brien has also made the switch Credit: Alamy Advertisement