Jeff Stelling makes return to role at non-league club as he takes break from talkSPORT

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It’s unbelievable, Jeff!Beloved talkSPORT host Jeff Stelling has been announced as Hartlepool United’s honorary president.Stelling is back where he belongsGettyIn a statement, Stelling expressed his delight at being reappointed in the role following ‘positive conversations’ with new Pools owner and chairman Landon Smith, who took over the National League outfit in January.Guess who’s back?“Hartlepool United has been part of my life for as long as I can remember,” Stelling said in a statement.“I’ve supported the club through the highs and the lows, like every Poolie.“To now have the opportunity to once again formally represent Pools is something I’m incredibly proud of.“I’ve had positive conversations with Landon, and I’ve been impressed by his approach. He is taking the time to listen and understand the club, and he is focused on doing things properly. There is no rush to make promises, just a clear commitment to building in the right way.“I would not have returned in any capacity if I did not believe in what is being done. “If I can play even a small part in helping restore Pools, I will give it everything.”Why did Stelling initially resign as Hartlepool’s honorary president?Stelling previously held the honorary president role but left his post last May after a conflict with then-owner Raj Singh.Tensions between the pair soured to the point Singh issued a letter to all National League clubs requesting they do not deem Stelling as a dignitary.In response to Singh’s letter, which he was unaware of until being informed by one of Hartlepool’s rivals, Stelling said: “You know what, it doesn’t bother me, I’m not president of the football club anymore.Stelling has dedicated much of his life to helping HartlepoolGetty“It’s my football club, I’m a lifelong supporter of that football club.“And if it came down to the fact that I travelled and stood with the Poolies, the Hartlepool supporters, wherever they are, then that’s…“”I’d already bought my ticket, we’re away to Yeovil on Saturday, I’d already bought my ticket to be with the fans, so I didn’t get the issue, or why Mr. Singh wanted to raise it.“But of course, then it was leaked to the media and then it all spiralled out of control. The other thing that I took offence to, in the statement he says in the unlikely event that I attend games independently…“Well last season I went to Aldershot, Eastleigh, Solihull, Southend, Sutton, Wealdstone, Woking, Dagenham & Redbridge, Ebbsfleet, Maidenhead, and a few others as well. So, it’s not so unlikely that I’ll attend.”News of the veteran broadcaster’s latest role comes a week after he announced he was taking a break from his hosting duties on talkSPORT Breakfast.Expect to see Stelling in and amongst the Poolies during his time away from talkSPORT TowersThankfully for the millions of talkSPORT listeners, Stelling’s time away from the mic will only last ‘two or three weeks.’“I’m just going to chill out for a bit of rest and relaxation,” Stelling said.“I’ll see you when I’m back.”Stelling’s first opportunity to make a triumphant return as Hartlepool’s honorary president is on Wednesday, as the Pools host Mark Hughes’ Carlisle United.Hartlepool lie 9th in the National League on 48 points, four outside of the play-offs.