It’s unbelievable, Jeff!
Beloved talkSPORT host Jeff Stelling has been introduced as Hartlepool United’s honorary president.
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In an announcement, Stelling expressed his delight at being reappointed within the role following ‘constructive conversations’ with new Pools proprietor and chairman Landon Smith, who took over the National League outfit in January.
Guess who’s again?
“Hartlepool United has been part of my life for as long as I can remember,” Stelling said in a statement.
“I’ve supported the club through the highs and the lows, like every Poolie.
“To now have the opportunity to once again formally represent Pools is something I’m incredibly proud of.
“I’ve had positive conversations with Landon, and I’ve been impressed by his approach. He is taking the time to listen and understand the club, and he is focused on doing things properly. There is no rush to make promises, just a clear commitment to building in the right way.
“I would not have returned in any capacity if I did not believe in what is being done.
“If I can play even a small part in helping restore Pools, I will give it everything.”
Why did Stelling initially resign as Hartlepool’s honorary president?
Stelling previously held the honorary president role but left his post final May after a battle with then-owner Raj Singh.
Tensions between the pair soured to the purpose Singh issued a letter to all National League clubs requesting they don’t deem Stelling as a dignitary.
In response to Singh’s letter, which he was unaware of till being knowledgeable by one in all Hartlepool’s rivals, Stelling mentioned: “You know what, it doesn’t bother me, I’m not president of the football club anymore.
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“It’s my soccer club, I’m a lifelong supporter of that soccer 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…
“”I’d already bought my ticket, 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 in fact, then it was leaked to the media after which all of it spiralled uncontrolled. The different factor that I took offence to, within the assertion he says within the unlikely occasion that I attend video games independently…
“Well last season I went to Aldershot, Eastleigh, Solihull, Southend, Sutton, Wealdstone, Woking, Dagenham & Redbridge, Ebbsfleet, Maidenhead, and a few others as well. So, it’s not so unlikely that I’ll attend.”
News of the veteran broadcaster’s newest role comes per week after he introduced he was taking a break from his hosting duties on talkSPORT Breakfast.
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Thankfully for the hundreds of thousands of talkSPORT listeners, Stelling’s time away from the mic will solely final ‘two or three weeks.’
“I’m just going to chill out for a bit of rest and relaxation,” Stelling said.
“I’ll see you when I’m back.”
Stelling’s first alternative to make a triumphant return as Hartlepool’s honorary president is on Wednesday, as the Pools host Mark Hughes’ Carlisle United.
Hartlepool lie ninth within the National League on 48 factors, 4 outdoors of the play-offs.
