Jeff Stelling ‘might have to wear a disguise’ to watch Hartlepool amid owner row

Broadcaster Jeff Stelling has suggested he will disguise himself as a Blues Brother from the Hollywood hit movie to watch Hartlepool play after his dispute with the National League club’s owner Raj Singh escalated.

Stelling resigned as honorary president of Hartlepool in May in protest at Singh’s handling of negotiations to sell the club after it became clear that a local consortium’s proposed takeover was not progressing.

Singh has reportedly now written to National League clubs asking that Stelling be denied access to boardrooms should he attend Hartlepool fixtures at their ground this season.

Those reports led to Hartlepool MP Jonathan Brash writing to National League clubs himself urging them to treat Stelling with the “respect and courtesy that he has most certainly earned”.

Former Sky Sports turned TalkSPORT presenter Stelling admitted drastic action may be necessary for him to watch Hartlepool games at their Victoria Park home.

Replying to a supportive tweet from Hartlepool fan Jon Parkinson, Stelling wrote on X: “Thanks Jon. Appreciate it. Once a Poolie, always a Poolie and by the way I wish (manager) 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.”

The cult musical action comedy film made in 1980 saw its two stars, John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd, wear matching dark suits, black pencil ties, black trilby hats and sunglasses.

Labour MP Brash wrote to National League clubs on House of Commons-headed notepaper asking that Stelling be afforded a “warm welcome” should he attend Hartlepool games at their grounds.

In the letter published on X, Brash wrote: “Jeff Stelling is a Freeman of Hartlepool, one of our most favoured sons, and a football broadcaster and journalist of international renown.

“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: “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!”

Hartlepool play their first league game of the season at Yeovil on Saturday.

The PA news agency has approached Hartlepool for comment.