Hartlepool United chairman Raj Singh has written to all National League clubs requesting that Jeff Stelling be denied access to boardrooms and dignitary spaces during away matches. The move escalates a dispute that began when Stelling resigned as the club's honorary president in May, protesting Singh's handling of a proposed takeover.
In a letter sent last week, Singh asked clubs not to provide Stelling with official hospitality at Hartlepool fixtures, and suggested he be seated separately from club staff if he attends independently. Stelling, a lifelong Hartlepool fan and former Sky Sports presenter, stepped down after talks stalled with a consortium led by local businesswoman Shirley Hammond.
Stelling 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. Supporters have been left in an intolerable position with a perceived threat to the future of the club should they not support the current owner.'
Singh, who saved Hartlepool from liquidation in 2021 and invested £1.8m, put the club up for sale after relegation from the Football League in 2023. He has proposed a vote among season-ticket holders on whether he should remain in charge, though this has yet to take place.
A Hartlepool spokesperson said: 'Since Mr Stelling no longer holds any position – honorary or otherwise – in the club, but has indicated his intention to attend away games, the club has informed other clubs in the league that he is not attending on behalf of Hartlepool United Football Club.'
