The Political Economy of Football V2

The interim board at Hartlepool has said that it has received indications of interest from potential new owners for the mid-table National League Club:  https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/c241dngv8lyo Owner Raj Singh took over the club at the end of the 2017/18 season as it faced collapse, but has now exited with the hump blaming personal abuse from a section of the fan base, although he has said he will fund the club until the end of the season. Hartlepool did get promoted to the EFL in 2021, but were relegated back to the National League in 2023.  The businessman's refusal to sell the club to a series of prospective buyers frustrated fans. It's really a classic case of a businessman thinking that an injection of funds (£1.2m) and his 'expertise' will turn a club round.    But Singh employed 12 different managers or head coaches, three alone this season including the veteran Lennie Lawrence. Football is a unique business and because one does well with an ...

Hartlepool United is running a £400,000 annual deficit despite improved season ticket sales and commercial income: Hartlepool United Owner Raj Singh has put in £1.5m since he took over.

Hartlepool United have released their accounts for their first year outside the Football League. The club came very close to collapse and details of the deal that saved it have been revealed: Deal between John Blackledge and Raj Singh The club has used the exemption available to smaller companies so the accounts are not as full as for some larger clubs. The accounts may be views online at Companies House. During the period covered by the accounts Clarence 18 Limited, the company's immediate parent undertaking, provided loans and paid expenses of just under £850k on behalf of the company. The full amount remained outstanding at the period end. The former shareholders of the business, Sage Investments Ltd, consolidated the amounts to the company by placing £1.73m into a formal loan agreement The repayment of the loan in terms of timing and amount is dependent upon the success of the football team. The going concern basis of the company depends on continued support from Clare...

Hartlepool United is to be sold by owner John Blackledge for £1 this week to a consortium led by businessman Raj Singh. Further staggered payments will be made over the next 12 seasons Mr Blackledge put nearly £2m into the club and will not see most of that money again. Singh is a controversial figure with Darlington fans from his time as chairman. He placed the Quakers into administration during the 2011-12 season before they were liquidated. The takeover news comes after Hartlepool Borough Council agreed to loan the club £77,000 this week so they can pay this month's wage bill.

Jeff Stelling has asked potential investors to step in to provide money to save Hartlepool United. The Sky Sports presenter has warned that time is running out if they are to avoid liquidation. Writing in this morning's The Non-League Paper Stelling says that it is unlikely that the club will be able to pay wages at the end of the month and that will mean administration. This would mean a points deduction for the club and almost certain relegation from the National League. A Teesside businessman has come up with some money and Stelling has put in a little: 'We've had promises from USA, Canada and England, but when you ask people to show their money it falls silent.' Stelling admits that the club has had a huge playing staff on ludicrous contracts, and also an over large support staff. It makes me relieved that my National League North club is run on a prudent, break even basis. Stelling reckons that the club needs £2m over three years to break even. That's a...

A deal to save Hartlepool United has collapsed after a locally born businessman saw the state of the club's finances. Chris Musgrave said, 'I am not prepared to sign blank cheques with no end in sight': Deal to save club is off A crowdfunding scheme and a big attendance for a game against Wrexham last Saturday may have raised enough funds to deal with immediate needs. However, the need for funds is ongoing. The club was never that strong financially, and had a succession of owners, but relegation from the Football League was the killer blow.

Hartlepool United have to find £200,000 in the next 14 days to cover player wages and a HMRC bill, otherwise they could be forced into administration: Deadline edges closer They were relegated from the Football League to the Conference last season and, like many clubs, have not found the adjustment easy on or off the pitch. From six expressions of interest, two potential investors remain in the frame, both of them from overseas. Hartlepool fans have won many friends by dressing up for the last away game of the season. Here they descend the escalators at London Bridge for a match at Charlton Athletic. One issue is the debt pile of £1.8m. Meanwhile, fans from around the world are rallying to save the club: Campaign gathers pace Former manager Chris Turner has called for openness from the club on the extent of its financial problems: Financial crisis