Historic News 2003/04

14/5

Website currently undergoing full re-vamp so there may be delays in posting information - please be patient.

10/5

Various Websites are giving details of the restructuring for season 2004/05. However the Club have not been informed of anything so far. If rumours are correct United's league (Isthmian Division One) will include the following Clubs :- AFC Wimbledon, Ashford Town (Kent), Banstead Athletic, Bashley, Bromley, Burgess Hill, Corinthian Casuals, Cray Wanderers +, Croydon, Croydon Athletic, Dorking, Dulwich Hamlet, Hastings United, Horsham, Leatherhead, Metropolitan Police, Molesey, Newport IOW, Sittingbourne, Tooting & Mitcham, Walton & Hersham, Whyteleafe

+ Subject to Cray's groundsharing agreement with Bromley

28/4

Manager Steve Lovell expects to name an unchanged squad for the final game of the season at home to title challengers Histon on Saturday. Kieren Startup is unfit after picking up a knee injury at Burnham last weekend and Ricky Spiller is also unavailable due to injury and suspension. Histon will win the Eastern Division if they win at the Pilot Field and current leaders King's Lynn lose away to Fisher Athletic. Stranger things have happened. Tonbridge Angels, who have led the division for almost the whole season have finally lost out. Although they could draw level on points their goal difference is vastly inferior to the other two. Their financial problems which saw several players leave along with their management team has finally told, although they have had a very successful campaign overall.

Hastings will definitely be in Division One of the Isthmian (Ryman) League next season. The final makeup of divisions will be known on May 10 but there will be an idea of who will be where in tomorrow's match programme. AFC Wimbledon will more than likely be in United's division along with the two Croydon sides, Tooting & Mitcham, Dorking and Corinthian Casuals.

Before the game on Saturday presentations will be made to the Supporters Player of the Season and Goal of the Season. The Players Player of the Season will be presented in the clubhouse during the evening.

26/4

Manager Steve Lovell names a full strength squad for Wednesday's Hastings Senior Cup Final against Sidley United at the Pilot Field. Kick-off is 7.45pm. Kieren Startup is out of contention after taking a nasty knock on the knee at Burnham on Saturday but all other squad members are fit and available for selection, including goalkeeper Chris May. To reach the final Sidley defeated St Leonards 2-0 in the semi-finals while Hastings won by the same score at home to Westfield.

23/4

For their final away game of the season Hastings name an unchanged side for their visit to Burnham. The squad is : Chris May, Jimmy Elford, Russell Eldridge, Peter Mortley, Ryan Peters, Steve Sands, Steve Ringwood, Mitchell Sherwood, Carl Rook, Chris Honey, David Henham, Kieren Startup, Peter Taylor.
Burnham have not enjoyed the best of seasons and, with three points deducted for fielding an ineligible player, are just below United in the Eastern Division table.

Hastings end their season with two home matches. On Wednesday they take on Sidley United in the final of the Hastings Senior Cup (7.45) and on Saturday May 1st Histon visit in the league for what could be a crucial game. Histon still have an outside chance of taking the title following their 0-0 draw at Salisbury in midweek.

Admission for the Senior Cup tie will be £4 adults and £2 pensioners and children under 16. Season tickets are not valid.

The end of season function takes place in the clubhouse immediately after the Histon game.

20/4

Having completed their fixtures two weeks ago the Reserves have to wait for others to finish their programme before they know their final position. Despite the frequent changes to the side which led to an end of season run of eight straight defeats, Ken Dullaway's lads were still in third place until Saturday when Thamesmead won their game and moved above United on goal difference. United may yet drop another place or so by the end of the season on May 1.

17/4

Manager Steve Lovell names an unchanged squad for the home game against Banbury United. Ryan Peters and Peter Sayer are both hoping to be fit after picking up injuries over the Easter Bank Holiday.

It is now almost certain that Hastings will be playing in Division One of the Isthmian (Ryman) League next season. There is one more meeting of the leagues involved towards the end of April but no major changes are anticipated.

15/4

Congratulations to Crawley Town who gained promotion to the Conference on Easter Monday when they won 3-0 away to Welling United. Challengers Weymouth continued their dismal run with a 1-1 draw at home to Tiverton Town which meant the West Sussex Club could not be caught.

Crawley have been on the brink for years but always seemed to falter when it mattered most. Not so this time though. Everyone at the Pilot Field congratulates them on their fine achievement and wishes them the best of luck, not only next season, but next week when they take on Moor Green in the second leg of the Dr Martens League Cup final. Crawley lead 2-1 from the first leg and must be hot favourites to lift the Cup and complete a memorable double.

14/4

To clarify the situation regarding the new official Youth section of the Club for next season. For some years now there has been an association between United and Hastings Town Youth 2000. The Club approached Town Youth to discuss making the arrangement more formal for next season and to establish a closer working relationship between the two. Naturally this would have involved a name change to Hastings United Youth as you cannot have an official Youth section bearing the name of another Club. This proposal was declined by the Town hierarchy. As a result of this St Leonards Youth Club were approached and they were only too pleased to join us as Hastings United Youth section as from next season. We extend a warm welcome to them and look forward to a long and fruitful partnership.

5/4

Midfielder Ricky Spiller has been handed a further two match ban and a hefty fine following his sending off at Ashford Town last month. Spiller received a three match ban for a straight red card but was charged again for remarks made to a linesman following his dismissal. He will miss the final game of this season and the first of the 2004/05 campaign. The ban actually starts on April 26 so Ricky will also be unavailable for the Hastings Senior Cup Final against Sidley United on April 28 although this will not count as one of the games under the suspension.

The Reserves brought the curtain down on their season with still a month to go when they visited bottom-of-the-table Danson Furness on Saturday. Once again players dropped out on the morning of the game and just 12 men made the journey to north Kent. They turned in a hard working performance and had Greg Nessling in goal, but still went down 2-1. United still hold third place in the Go Travel Kent League Division One but could drop down a couple of places over the coming weeks as other sides catch up on their games. Ashford Town, who were looking a good bet to challenge for a top three place, lost their fourth match in a row at the weekend.

2nd April 2004
Steve Lovell takes an unchanged squad to Chatham on Saturday when United will be looking for revenge following the Kent side's 2-1 success at the Pilot Field on 23rd September last year. Ricky Spiller, Greg Nessling and Danny Ellis have all completed three match suspensions although Spiller is still waiting to hear from the Football Association as to what additional punishment he will receive for remarks made to a linesman after his sending off at Ashford on February 28th. The squad from which the side will be selected is : Chris May, Jimmy Elford, Russell Eldridge, Peter Mortley, Mark Green, Ryan Peters, Steve Ringwood, Steve Sands, Ricky Spiller, Mitchell Sherwood, Carl Rook, Chris Honey, Greg Nessling, Charlie Belcher, David Henham, Kieren Startup, Simon Stickney and Peter Taylor.

Last weekend's defeat at home to Eastleigh saw United drop two places in the Dr Martens Eastern Division. Initially Burnham moved above Hastings on goal difference and during the week Newport IOW also moved up following a surprise 2-0 defeat of Tonbridge Angels. Any reward from the Chatham game could see Lovell's men regain lost ground depending of course on other results. The relegation battle, if anyone is to go down following the restructuring, seems to be between the current bottom three sides. Fleet Town and Erith & Belvedere are picking up virtually no points while Rothwell Town are also struggling.

Over the Easter weekend Hastings entertain Bashley on the Saturday and travel to Tonbridge Angels on Easter Monday. Both games kick-off at 3pm.

30th March 2004
New Youth Setup for 2004/05
The Club are pleased to announce a new youth section for next season.

A meeting was held with officers of St Leonards Youth FC last week when proposals to change their name to Hastings United Youth and become an official part of the main Club were discussed. These proposals were put to the Management Committee of St Leonards Youth FC who agreed to them enthusiastically.

The Club currently run seven teams ranging from Under 7's to Under 17's. Additional teams may well be formed in the coming months and the Under 17's may move up to Under 18's next season and play their home games at The Pilot Field.

26th March 2004
Eastleigh make their first ever visit to the Pilot Field on Saturday as Hastings strive to extend their unbeaten run. Peter Mortley returns to the United line-up although manager Mark Lovell has decided not to sign midfielder Alan Tutton from Herne Bay. He could well be joining the Club during the summer in time for the 2004/05 season. Mark Goodwin has left the Club, returning to Eastbourne Borough at the end of his second loan spell.

Steve Lovell has named the following squad for Saturday : Chris May, Jimmy Elford, Russell Eldridge, Peter Mortley, Mark Green, Ryan Peters, Steve Sands, Steve Ringwood, Mitchell Sherwood, Chris Honey, Carl Rook. Subs: Charlie Belcher, David Henham, Kieran Startup, Simon Stickney, Peter Taylor.

Three players complete their suspensions this weekend; Danny Ellis, Greg Nessling and Ricky Spiller.

The first draw for the new 100 Club takes place at the clubhouse on Friday evening. Supporters may have their standing orders returned by their bank as the Club's account number and sort code is incorrect. Please phone 444635 for the correct details.

Finally a reminder that admission prices are reduced for the remainder of this season. Adults £5.00, Senior Citizens £3.00 and children (under 16) £1.

22nd March 2004
Bottom two Fleet Town and Erith & Belvedere lost emphatically, Fleet went down 3-0 at Dartford while Erith came unstuck 5-1 at Eastleigh. They are both now well adrift and must be hoping that there will be no relegation following the restructuring at the end of the season. King's Lynn are looking a good bet for the Eastern Division championship with Tonbridge, Histon and Folkestone still in with a chance.

The Reserves

Back in action after a two week layoff the Reserves felt the backlash of the front side's suspensions, and with two further players dropping out at the last minute due to work commitments, manager Ken Dullaway & assistant Phil Boswell were barely able to field eleven players and suffered another heavy defeat, this time 5-1 at mid-table Deal Town. At half time a physical Deal were leading 4-0 but United did better in the second half. New signing Kenny Pogue scored Hastings' consolation. The Reserves have one match left to complete their season, away to Danson Furness on a date to be confirmed.

Fan's Form

The date for the next Fan's Forum has been confirmed. It's Thursday 29th April when manager Steve Lovell will be on hand to answer questions from 8pm.

19th March 2004
Manager Steve Lovell takes his team to the Isle of Wight on Saturday in search of more Dr Martens Eastern Division points. Newport were due do come out of administration recently for the second time in little over a year. Last Saturday's excellent 3-0 win at home to Stamford lifted United two places up the table but that ground was lost again on Tuesday when both Dartford and Newport won 1-0 at home. The Darts overcame Sittingbourne while the Islanders saw off Burnham.

The following squad has been named for Saturday : Chris May, Jimmy Elford, David Henham, Mark Green, Russell Eldridge, Steve Sands, Ryan Peters, Steve Ringwood, Mitchell Sherwood, Carl Rook, Chris Honey, Mark Goodwin, Peter Taylor, Kieren Startup. Carl Rook has completed his one match ban but Greg Nessling, Ricky Spiller and Danny Ellis have two more games to miss. Mark Goodwin's loan period ends on Saturday, a decision will be made next week on whether or not to extend it. Peter Mortley, who did so well on his debut last weekend. is not available this week but I understand he will be around for the remainder of the season. The club are hoping to complete the transfer of midfielder Alan Tutton from Dartford next week. A seven day letter was sent to Herne Bay where he has been playing, but it then transpired that his Southern League registration was still held by Dartford.

The Reserves

The Reserves return to action on Saturday when they are due to visit Deal Town in Division One of the Go Travel Kent League. That will leave just one game to complete their season, away to Danson Furness sometime in April. Goalkeeper Sam Harris-Green has received a seven day suspension, starting on Monday March 29th , after being sent off at Ashford last month. Both Danson and Corinthian have given notice of their intention with withdraw from the league at the end of this season.

Fan's Form

The Fan's Forum held in the clubhouse on Wednesday evening went extremely well. New majority shareholder David Walters introduced himself to around 60 supporters and outlined his plans for the future. A number of questions came from the floor and at the end of it all everybody seemed satisfied and confident that better days are just around the corner. Another forum will be held before the end of the season when manager Steve Lovell will be on hand to answer your questions.

Restructuring

Don't take too much notice of everything you read or hear concerning the restructuring for next season. Until the end of the season when final positions are know few definite decisions can be made. It was muted that the Southern League would still administer our area at Division One level with the Ryman League looking after the Premier Division. I have heard this week that the authorities are now having second thoughts and we may well be an Isthmian (Ryman) League club next season. The current season ends on May 1st, there will then be various play-offs to decide promotion and relegation issues which will be completed by May 8th. Officials are then due to meet on May 9th when final placings of clubs in the various leagues will be finalised and announced on May 10th.

The '100 Club'

This new fund raising venture is proving popular with the first draw for the three cash prizes due to take place in the clubhouse on Friday evening, March 26. You can still join by completing a standing order form for just £5 a month. The proceeds will be distributed as follows: 40% to prizes, 30% to the player's budget and 30% to club funds.

Finally a reminder that the Supporters Club have a Race Night in the clubhouse on Friday 3rd April. Admission is FREE.

12th March 2004
With four players beginning suspensions on Saturday manager Steve Lovell has been trying to add to his squad in time for the home game against Stamford. Young goalkeeper Chris May joins the club on loan from Brighton & Hove Albion and central defender Peter Mortley has signed from Ashford Town. Peter, who is 28, has previously played for Gravesend & Northfleet, Tonbridge Angels and Sittingbourne. Defender Mark Green's move to Fisher Athletic has fallen through, he will now be with United until the end of the season. Steve Ringwood is available again having recovered from injury.

5th March 2004
The first team visit high riding Salisbury City on Saturday hoping to avenge the 4-1 home defeat earlier in the season. Manager Steve Lovell is without Steve Ringwood who is still recovering from injury. Goalkeeper Danny Knowles, on loan from Gillingham, is also unavailable after taking a knock to the knee on Tuesday night. He is currently on crutches and undergoing treatment at Priestfield Stadium. United name the following squad : Greg Nessling, Jimmy Elford, David Henham, Mark Green, Russell Eldridge, Ryan Peters, Kieren Startup, Ricky Spiller, Mark Goodwin, Carl Rook, Chris Honey, Simon Stickney, Mitchell Sherwood, Danny Ellis.
The players sent off at Ashford last week have received the following suspensions, starting next Saturday (March 13) : Carl Rook 1 game, Danny Ellis, Greg Nessling and Ricky Spiller 3 games each.

Fans Forum

A fans forum will be held in the social club on Wednesday 17th March commencing at 8pm. New owner David Walters will be there to answer questions from supporters.

3rd March 2004

Reduced Admission Prices

For the final five home games on the season admission prices will be reduced as follows :-
Adults £5.00 (Normally £7.00)
Senior Citizens £3.00 (£3.50)
Children Under 16 £1.00 (£2.00)

Hastings Senior Cup - Final Tie

The final of this season's Hastings Senior Cup competition against Sidley United will be played at The Pilot Field on Wednesday 28th April kick-off 7.45pm

1st March 2004
Tuesday's Game against Fleet Town - a crucial game for both sides as they battle to avoid a bottom two finish and possible relegation.

Chris Honey will be back in the United squad and goes straight into the side. New keeper Daniel Knowles will also be starting as Greg Nessling is carrying an injury and will be needed for Saturday's trip to Salisbury City when Knowles will be with Gillingham' first team. There are other injury doubts including Ryan Peters and Steve Ringwood. Both will have fitness tests before the game.

29th February 2004
The Reserves travelled to Herne Bay on Saturday with a somewhat depleted side. With up to six players unavailable there was not a recognised striker in the side and despite a spirited display they lost 2-0 but remain in third place in Division One of the Go Travel Kent League. With just three games to go to complete their season, the Reserves travel to Thamesmead Town this coming weekend

27th February 2004
Latest news regarding changes to the structure of the non-league game - it is understood that the Ryman League have lost their Arbitration hearing concerning the restructure, with a decision that was unanimous and overwhelming in favour of the changes.

25th February 2004
A seven day letter has been received from Chatham Town for Steve Hafner
Scott Hayhoe has left United to play for a local Bromley club as his travelling arrangements have changed and he is now unable to get to matches.

16th February 2004
Mick Maplesden has sold his shares in Hastings United Football Club to Mr David Walters. David is a financial consultant who runs his own business, and is also a qualified football coach who until recently was manager of Punnetts Town FC of the East Sussex League. David will be at Saturday's game against Erith & Belvedere.
The loan of Mark Goodwin from Eastbourne Borough has been extended for a month.
A one match suspension means that Kieran Startup will miss Saturday's game against Erith & Belvedere.

11th February 2004
Players signed this week - Daniel Knowles - 18 year old goalkeeper signed on work experience from Gillingham - regular keeper or Gillingham under 19s. Mark Green - due to re-sign on Thursday from Gillingham on work experience (was with the club at the end of last year).
Re-arranged Reserves fixture - Saturday 21st February away to Ashford Town 3pm

31st January 2004
Today's matches postponed - Reserves match against Danson Furness called off due to snow/frozen pitch, First Team game at the Pilot Field against Fleet Town called off due to heavy rain. Next match at the Pilot Field sees the Reserves in action against Tackleway in the semi-final of the Hastings Intermediate Cup on Saturday 7th Feb, when the First Team will be away to Histon.

22nd January 2004
A seven day letter has been received from Rye & Iden United for Greg Nessling

16th January 2004
Mark Goodwin has joined us on a month's loan from Eastbourne Borough. Mark is a striker and played against us on Boxing Day when he was on loan to Burgess Hill.

15th January 2004
Hastings Unite with Seagulls......

Hastings United FC are proud to announce the forming of a partnership with Brighton & Hove Albion FC to bring much needed basic computing and literacy skills to the local area. During the next two months, part of the Board Room at the Pilot Field will be enhanced to provide a suitable environment for the establishment of an I T Training Suite, which will accommodate up to 15 of the latest wireless laptop computers.

The scheme is aimed at people over 20 years of age who have so far not found the opportunity to develop basic computing, literacy & numeracy skills, and is part of a £1.7m project funded by the Learning and Skills Council. The unit, which will be open four to five days per week and some evenings, will be managed by a local, experienced, full time manager and a support team drawn from the local community..

The Albion started the scheme last year at their Study Support Centre at Withdean and have been so successful that they have been awarded additional funds to extend the scheme to Hastings United and four other leading non-league teams around the county. The project, which is due to last for three years, will see nearly 300 people given the opportunity to be trained in I T skills and ultimately, should they wish, to obtain a nationally recognized qualification.

United's Managing Director Terry Akehurst said "We were delighted that The Albion approached us about joining the project some weeks ago and having listened to what was on offer we had no hesitation in accepting the opportunity to work with them in developing the centre at the Pilot Field. As far as I am aware, this is the first time that we have had any formal association with The Albion and I am sure, with their advice and expertise, the centre will prove to be a considerable asset to the Hastings area and Hastings United FC."

Alan Sanders, Principal for Educational Services at Brighton & Hove Albion said "I am extremely pleased that Hastings United FC have decided to become part of this exciting project. The interest the club has shown will inevitably help ensure this project is a success for the local community."

It is expected that the facility at the ground will be ready to accept its first students in April 2004.

13th January 2004
Any supporters wanting to travel on the team coach to the First Team game against Stamford this Saturday should contact the Club Secretary Tony Cozens on 01424 444635. The coach will be leaving the Pilot Field at 9.30am.

The following players are unavailable for this Saturday's game, each facing a one match suspension: Lee Hockey, Mitchell Sherwood, Danny Ellis & Kieran Startup.

Following their 6-2 win on Saturday over Rock-a-Nore, the Reserves are now through to the semi-final of the Hastings Intermediate cup which will take place on Saturday 7th February against Tackleway.

9th January 2004
Followng an injury during United's away game at Dartford, new signing Lee Hockey is now likely to be out for the rest of the season.

6th January 2004
Reserves game against Rock-a-Nore now takes place this coming Saturday (10th Jan), replacing the scheduled league match against Herne Bay which will be re-arranged. The First Team have no fixture, so come along to the Pilot Field and show the Reserves your support.

3rd January 2004
Today's Reserve cup match against Rock-a-Nore has been postponed due to a frozen pitch.

1st January 2004
Lee Hockey has been signed from Gravesend & Northfleet

29th November 2003
As supporters will have seen in recent weeks, we no longer have people willing to write match reports for the website. Requests for assistance via the Guest Book and Forum have not met with any response, so for the time being, match reports will not be a feature of this site. If anybody does feel able to assist, please e-mail the webmaster at webmaster@hastingsunitedfc.co.uk or contact Tony Cozens, Terry Akehurst or Dave Bealey at the Club.

28th November 2003
Greg Nessling has signed for Hastings United from St Leonards.

Joe Cornwall was released from hospital on Tuesday having had his bones re-set and his leg placed in a full cast. He will see the bone specialist in about ten days to check that the bones have not moved and is expected to spend six weeks in the full cast and a further six weeks in a reduced cast. Should the bones have moved, he will need to undergo surgery to plate and pin the bones to ensure they set properly. It also appears the referee was in error regarding the result as the Kent League have not adopted the ruling that a result stands if a match lasts beyond 75 minutes, so United are currently awaiting the Kent League's decision in this regard.

23rd November 2003
An incident during yesterday's Reserve match against Danson Furness resulted in a traumatic injury to Joe Cornwall. He was taken to hospital where it has been confirmed that he has a broken leg and it's understood that the break to his tibia and fibula is so severe that he will have to undergo surgery to have his leg pinned. The Danson Furness player responsible for the incident was sent off but the match was eventually abandoned in the 82nd minute, although the referee advised that the points would stand as the match had lasted beyond 75 minutes. The Club sends its best wishes to Joe for a speedy recovery, and discussions are underway at the moment to decide if further action should be taken against the player responsible.

20th November 2003
Tony Burt has today announced that he is quitting football altogether, as a result of work commitments and his recent injury. Tony played nearly 500 games for Hastings in its various guises and the Club would like to thank him for all his sterling performances throughout the seasons and wish him well for the future.

15th November 2003
The Eastbourne United Association replay will take place this coming Tuesday (18th November) at The Oval, Princes Park at 7.45pm. Our home game against Salisbury City which was postponed due to Salisbury's cup run has now been re-arranged for 27th January.

8th November 2003
Sorry - no photos available for First Team game away to King's Lynn, but click HERE for photos from the Reserves home game against Cray Wanderers.

8th November 2003
In the Go Travel Kent League First/Second Division League Cup, the Reserves have been drawn away to Dartford - match date to be confirmed.

19th September 2003
Ken Dullaway and Phil Boswell have been appointed as Reserve Team Manager and Assistant Manager and the Club would like to wish them every success for the season.

25th August 2003
An offer of £500 has been accepted today from Rye & Iden United for Duncan McArthur

20th August 2003
Following a straight red card on Tuesday at Folkestone, a decision has been made today by United manager Steve Lovell that Duncan McArthur will not play for Hastings United again. United will continue to hold his registration, but Duncan, who was advised of the decision this evening, is now available for transfer.

Peter Taylor damaged his medial ligament during Tuesday's game and at the present time is unlikely to be available for 6-8 weeks, but Peter Sayer and Ricky Spiller, who suffered minor strains, are expected to be fit for Saturday's game against Sittingbourne. In the meantime, Stuart Myall has been training hard; he will play for the Reserves on Saturday at the Pilot Field and should soon be ready to return to First Team action.

11th August 2003
Signings so far for the new season are as follows (latest in bold):

Chris Honey                            Tony Burt                                  Joe Hesmer                          Kieran Startup                       Joe Cornwall
David Henham                        Matt Brown                               Richard Bolton                     Stephen Ringwood                 Russell Eldridge
Steve Graham                         Danny Ellis                                Steve Sands                         James Sims                             Sam Harris-Green
James Penfold                        Graham Webb                            Mitchell Sherwood              Scott Hayhoe                          Ricky Spiller
Charlie Belcher                       Peter Sayer                               Ryan Peters                         Peter Taylor                            Mark Lovell
Steve Hafner                          Carl Rook                                  Daniel Dalmonego               Aaron Lidster                         Adam Warmington
Mark Green

11th August 2003
Following Saturday's clash with a Crystal Palace player, Joe Cornwall was taken to A & E where doctors confirmed that he had broken his collar bone. He is not expected to be available for the next six to eight weeks. Obviously this will be a big disappointment and the Club wishes him a speedy recovery.

Also injured are Stephen Ringwood who will be having an operation on the ligaments in his hand tomorrow, and Duncan McArthur who is recovering from a calf injury and is unlikely to be fit for Saturday.

7th August 2003
Vince Moorton has been appointed as the First Team Assistant Manager to work with Steve Lovell this season.
Graham Bishop, who worked alongside Vince with the Reserves during last season, is moving to Sheffield and the Club would like to extend its thanks to him for all his hard work with the Reserves. Obviously the Club is now looking for a new Second Team Manager and anyone interested in the position should contact the Club on 01424 444635.

5th August 2003
Steve Lovell introduced himself to the players at an informal training session on Thursday evening. Setting the scene for the coming season, he indicated that he would be putting all the players through their paces and will build his team based on both ability and attitude. Approximately 30 players were there to meet him and all are keen to prove themselves good enough for a place in the team. Training begins in earnest on Monday 7th July at Moat Park, Maidstone, then on Thursday 10th July at Claremont School (on the A21 on the outskirts of Hastings).

26th March 2003
The competition to be next year's sponsor is well under way, with more than £15000 already raised through ticket sales. Arrangements are in hand for the prize draw which will take place on the 3rd May during the half time interval of our home match against Stafford Rangers. BBC TV cameras will be at the Pilot Field and a representative from the BBC will draw the winning ticket, so if any more of you are interested in taking part, or know of businesses who would like the opportunity to sponsor Hastings United for the price of a single £50 ticket,you have just over five weeks left to get involved.