HARTLEPOOL UNITED’S takeover has been completed – and it should be confirmed before today’s game.

The deal, engineered by Raj Singh and Jeff Stelling to buy the club and take control from John Blackledge and Sage Investments has been on going for weeks, but late last night it was finally sealed when contracts were exchanged.

Former Darlington owner Singh had hoped for it to be announced two weeks ago, but delays between the legal parties on all sides of the deal – and the Easter Holiday weekend - dragged it out.

And, with a National League board meeting set for next week, it was anticipated that the new era would not be announced until being ratified by league officials. The takeover is still subject to FA and National League approval, but that will be a mere formality.

However, Singh will now be appointed chairman, with the club bought for a nominal fee of £1.

Blackledge, believed to be owed around £1.8m, will be paid back over the coming years depending on the club’s success and planned return to the Football League.

Singh will be at Victoria Park for today’s home game with Solihull. He has been at the last three home games and will be alongside Craig Hignett, who will be appointed the club’s director of football.

Now they are in control, Singh and Stelling hope that more interested parties come forward to join their consortium. It is understood they spoke to two new potential investors on Easter Monday when Pools lost to Guiseley at Victoria Park.