Raj Singh has been trying to sell National League club Hartlepool FC. But, as yet, no one has come forward with sufficient interest.
'It does however seem that no matter what I do, part of the fan base
will not be happy and abuse towards my family and I from a minority has
unfortunately continued,' said Singh.
'After the events of last season and given the sentiments shared by some supporters, I felt that I must put the Club up for sale.
'Upon making the sale public in April I asked any interested parties to provide basic details including how they would take Hartlepool United forward as well as an initial proof of funds.
'A number of enquiries did come in. Several were speculative and timewasting. The factual position is that, despite trying to find a buyer, nobody at this point has come forward with both intent and initial proof of funds to take over Hartlepool United.
'One aspect that has been an evident issue during this process is the Club’s lack of ground ownership. That point was obviously something that I had been looking to address with the local authority longer term. It is unlikely that an international standard investor will step into a Club that doesn’t own its own ground with the potential to develop it for additional revenue streams.
'In light of there being no immediate outright buyer, I have more recently asked to explore whether a small number of local investors might collaboratively come together to take shareholding in the Club.
'Looking ahead, the Club will still formally remain up for sale and I will continue to proactively engage in the process... I will not stand in the way of other another owner or investors who have the right intentions and backing...
'In the interim I will continue to support the running of the Club in a professional manner and I have reiterated to John Askey, the staff and the team that they have my full backing. We have been exceptionally unlucky with injuries to key players at the start of this season.
'Finally, and once again I ask fans to remember that we are all human and that potential owners, investors and even players will look at us during this process.'
Hereford United supporters may remember that Raj Singh was chairman of Darlington when David Keyte took over the Bulls in 2010. Keyte appointed Simon Davey as manager. Davey had been at Darlington.
"I was reluctant to pass comment on the current situation at Hereford, but as usual the only losers in all this are football fans.
"I never have and never will wish bad luck on any club. Darlington fans don't need reminding what it was like for us last season and I'm sure they wouldn't wish that on Hereford. However, with the demise of their manager this week, you can’t help but think of the old adage, 'what goes around, comes around'.
"I said at the time of Simon Davey's departure here, which left a somewhat bitter taste, that I like to think I do things properly, and you end up reaping what you sow. With that in mind, I believe Simon and the Hereford chairman are now getting their just desserts.
"When
you know you've acquired someone through the back door and behind
someone's back, honesty will be an issue from day one. As it happens,
Hereford are bottom of the league after ten games, with a manager out of
a job and a chairman out of pocket."