Former Premier League gaffer Dave Jones has let loose on TV legend Jeff Stelling! The ex-Hartlepool United manager had managed in the top tiers with Southampton and Wolves before taking the reins at Pools in 2017. But things went south fast—he didn’t even make it to the end of the season! Jeff Stelling, a big Hartlepool fan and then honorary president, took to the airwaves on Soccer Saturday with some choice words, urging Jones to step down “for the good of the club” after a tough loss to Barnet. Stelling even offered to resign as president if that helped get Jones out. Ouch!
Fast forward a few years, and Jones, appearing on the Undr the Cosh podcast, didn’t mince words about Stelling’s actions. He mentioned, “He reckons he was a Hartlepool fan… I ain’t got time of day for him. I wouldn’t p*** on him if he was on fire.” Clearly, emotions are still running high!
Jones claimed Stelling didn’t understand his plans for the team and accused him of meddling by phoning the chairman about management decisions, saying it was all for show. He added, “If we were in the desert and I drove past him, I wouldn’t pick him up.”
Meanwhile, Hartlepool United are back in the National League under new manager Simon Grayson, with a decent start to their season, racking up 14 points from their first 10 matches.
This saga’s a real reminder of how passionate footy can get, especially when hometown clubs are involved. What are your thoughts on Stelling’s outburst and Jones’s reaction? Do you think TV pundits should keep such matters off-air, or does football thrive on a bit of drama? Let us know! ⚽🔥