Chris Maxwell 'can't speak highly enough' of 'incredible' Hartlepool United owner Landon Smith

Maxwell, a former Wrexham, Fleetwood Town, Preston North End and Blackpool goalkeeper who was brought to the club when Pools appointed specialist football consultancy firm Bromby and Partners in March, has been responsible for "strengthening football operations, supporting staff and establishing high performance foundations for long-term success on and off the pitch".

So far, Pools appear to be heading in the right direction under Smith, who completed a sudden and unexpected takeover of the club from controversial former owner Raj Singh on New Year's Eve.

While change was, initially at least, relatively gradual, Pools appear to have made significant strides since the end of the 2025/26 season, appointing the experienced Lee Clark as the club's new head coach, welcoming former Middlesbrough stalwart Adam Clayton as his assistant and securing eight impressive new signings.