Hartlepool United legend hails Landon Smith's 'positive start' to life as Pools owner

The American businessman and investor, who is the co-founder of real estate company Tailwind Group, completed an unexpected takeover of the club from the hugely controversial Raj Singh on New Year's Day.

While it's clear that Pools still have a lot of work to do on and off the pitch, Smith has drawn widespread acclaim for his approach since taking charge in the North East.

Whereas the final years of Singh's tumultuous tenure were overshadowed by a series of bizarre managerial appointments, several public fallings-out, incessant infighting as well as an alarming level of division and discontent among a fractured fanbase, Smith has worked hard to steady the ship during the opening months of his reign.