Hartlepool United chairman Raj Singh has intensified his bitter row with former Sky Sports presenter Jeff Stelling. The broadcaster remains a devoted Hartlepool supporter and was appointed honorary president in 2015.
Nevertheless, he stepped down from the position earlier this year in opposition to Singh’s management of takeover discussions. Singh placed the club on the market in April 2023 following their relegation from the English Football League.
Singh has now penned a letter to fellow National League clubs requesting they refuse Stelling access to their boardrooms. And Stelling has taken action by joking he will attend matches in a disguise.
The letter reads: “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.
“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.”
Stelling, who currently works for talkSPORT, hit back at the development on social media, posting: “First I knew was when someone sent me a copy tbh so I guess so. I had already bought my ticket for Yeovil so more than happy to go with the fans. Seems a bit extreme though!!”
After receiving a supportive tweet from a fellow Hartlepool fan, Stelling added: “Thanks Jon. Appreciate it. Once a Poolie, always a Poolie and by the way I wish Simon Grayson and the boys all the best this season. Might have to disguise myself in my Blues Brothers outfit from a couple of years ago to get into the Vic but will be at many away games!”
Jonathan Brash, the Labour MP for Hartlepool, also penned a letter to the National League clubs following Singh’s correspondence and called on them to show Stelling the “respect and courtesy that he has most certainly earned”.
“Jeff Stelling is a Freeman of Hartlepool, one of our most favoured sons, and a football broadcaster and journalist of international renown,” Brash penned. “He has dedicated much of his life to supporting football at every level, and especially to championing our club and our town.
“While robust debate and difference of opinion are part and parcel of football, I would respectfully request that Mr Stelling is afforded the warm welcome and courtesy he rightly deserves whenever Hartlepool United visit your club.”
Stelling replied to Brash’s correspondence, stating: “Jonathan thanks so much for that. I am pretty sure most clubs will be as gracious with me as they always have been. If not I have got no problem being with the travelling Poolies!”.