How Landon Smith's passion inspired Hartlepool United's trip to Fanatics Fest

The American businessman and investor, who completed his takeover of Pools from controversial former owner Raj Singh on New Year's Eve, spearheaded the club's showcase at the world-renowned convention in New York City's Javits Centre earlier this month.

Thanks in large part to Smith's passion, contacts and sheer force of will, Pools secured a prize berth at the festival, which is attended by hundreds of thousands of collectors, fans and hobbyists each year, sandwiched in-between Italian giants Inter Milan and two-time Champions League holders Paris Saint-Germain.