Jeff Stelling joined talkSPORT as the presenter of the breakfast show in 2023 after his exit from Sky Sports and has now resumed a previous role at Hartlepool United
Jeff Stelling has returned to Hartlepool United as honorary president less than a year after leaving the role in protest at the club’s ownership. Stelling stepped down from his role at his hometown club in May, having been left furious with former owner Raj Singh, but has now reconnected with Hartlepool after Landon Smith’s takeover in January.
Hartlepool were taken over by American real estate developer Smith at the start of the year, nearly three years after first being put up for sale by Singh. Former Sky Sports presenter Stelling was a vocal critic of Singh, saying he had left supporters in an “intolerable position” when he resigned at the end of the 2024/25 season.
But the 70-year-old has now decided to rejoin the National League side, alongside Savannah Marshall, who has become the club ambassador. The news comes a week after Stelling confirmed he was taking an extended break from talkSPORT, where he presents the breakfast show.
“Hartlepool United has been part of my life for as long as I can remember,” Stelling said. “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.
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“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.”
Stelling is best known for his time at Sky Sports, where he had presented Soccer Saturday for 29 years. He left and found a new home on talkSPORT, where he has fronted the breakfast show since 2023, working with Ally McCoist and Alan Brazil.
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Stelling’s passion for Hartlepool was a feature of his time on Soccer Saturday and the club’s takeover by Smith, a co-founder of Minnesota-based real estate company Tailwind Group, has seen him return to the fold.
“Over the past two months, I’ve spent a lot of time listening and meeting people connected to Hartlepool United, and it’s become clear just how important Jeff and Savannah are to this club and this town,” Smith said.
“When you meet people of their stature, sometimes reputation can outweigh reality. With Jeff and Savannah, it was the opposite. I was hugely impressed. Their passion for Pools is genuine, their connection to the town is authentic and both can contribute incredible value to this club’s journey.”
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