HARTLEPOOL United will remain under the control of IOR Ltd after the propsed sale was called off.

The Northern Echo exclusively revealed on Tuesday that the Aberdeen-based oil company was still in charge, with prospective new owners TMH2014 not going through with their takeover.

A club statement announced: 

''IOR and Hartlepool United announce that the proposed sale of IOR’s shareholding in the Club to TMH2014 Limited is no longer proceeding. 

Ken Hodcroft remains Chairman and Russ Green continues as CEO.  The Club will not be making any further comments.''

TMH2014, with supposed new chairman Peter Harris were announced as new owners on December 16, the day Ronnie Moore was named new boss. 

However, in recent weeks Harris and his associates have become distant figures and, while Harris was listed as chairman in last weekend's match programme, he was not at the game with Plymouth.

A statement from TMH2014 outlined their frustration. It read: "TMH are disappointed with the fact that the Share Purchase Agreement close date could not be extended. TMH 2014 Limited had satisfied the Football League approval process."

It continued: "We were looking forward to investing in the future of Hartlepool United Football Club. A lot of time, effort and money has been wasted to achieve very little.

"We wish the manager, the team, the staff and of course the supporters the best of luck for the season."