'Testing times' ahead for Hartlepool United

Raj Singh resigned as chairman of Hartlepool United and said he did so because of abuse he faced from fans

Hartlepool United face a difficult time ahead due to the resignation of chairman Raj Singh, the club's fans have said.

Singh resigned on Tuesday with immediate effect and cited abuse from a group of supporters as his reason for leaving.

His tenure in charge of the club has proved controversial due to Hartlepool's poor performance in recent years and relegation to the National League.

But former Hartlepool defender Ben Clark said Singh's departure meant the club faced "testing times" as it sought a new owner and funding.

"You have to be hopeful there are potential suitors out there to take over the club," he told BBC Radio Tees.

"Let's face it, it's a fabulous club but one thing it shouldn't be is 15th in the National League.

"It's a good football club for someone to come and take over as, if you do get it right, it's a magical place to play football."

The club will need to find an owner who can continue to provide financial support

Singh took over Pools in 2018 but has since overseen two relegations to the National League and a promotion back to the English Football League.

He put the club up for sale in 2023 after it was relegated back to the National League but a deal has yet to go through.

'Lost heart and soul'

Clark's views were echoed by Hartlepool Mail football writer Robbie Stelling who said Singh's resignation felt like the "first step into the unknown".

He said fans had felt doubtful over Singh's previous attempts to sell the club but said the former chairman did deserve some respect.

"Raj Singh deserves some credit for some of the things he has done, particularly early on in his tenure when he saved the club from administration and potential liquidation," he said.

But Stelling said watching Pools play recently made it seem like the club had "lost the heart and soul that has made it so special for so many years".

Supporter and member of the Hartlepool United fans' panel Mark Carroll said he was "shocked" when he heard the news of Singh's resignation.

The outgoing chairman has promised to pay staff and players until the end of the season but Mr Carroll said a new owner would need to be found to secure its finances.

He offered a message to those who "proclaimed they were interested in the club in the past".

"Now is the time to put up or shut up," he said.