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Hastings United Football Club is once again searching for a new First Team manager, after Tony Dolby reluctantly confirmed that he will not be returning to take up the role on a full-time basis for the 2008/09 campaign.
The former Tonbridge Angels boss only took over at the Pilot Field in January, with his long time number two at Longmead, Mike Rutherford, joining him in accepting the task of trying to keep United in the Ryman League Premier Division, following the departure of Hastings’ promotion winning manager Nigel Kane.
Together, Tony and Mike oversaw an immediate improvement in results, taking four points out of six against eventual beaten play-off finalists Staines Town, and leading Hastings to their first away league victory of the season at Margate. Successive defeats at AFC Wimbledon and East Thurrock United in early March left United deep in relegation trouble though, before a run of six wins in their last nine games led them to safety, sealed by a 3-0 success at bottom club Leyton on the final day of the season.
United Chairman Dave Walters commented, "When he first accepted the job at the Pilot Field, Tony did so on the basis that neither of us was committed in any way beyond the end of what turned out to be a successful battle against relegation. Obviously, after keeping us up, I was keen to secure Tony’s services for next season too, but the long journey from his Chislehurst home was not to his liking, and as was the case with Mike, he has advised me that this was the overwhelming reason for his decision not to continue in the role. Whilst this comes as a huge disappointment, I would of course like to thank both Tony and Mike for their considerable efforts in ensuring that Hastings United will remain a Premier Division club next season, and wish them every success in the future."
The Club will now consider its options for a brief period, but will hope to be in a position to appoint Tony’s successor in the near future.
Hastings United Football Club is delighted to announce that Smart Property Solutions has agreed to become its new main sponsor, in a deal that will run for the next two seasons.
Smart Property Solutions, based at 41 Havelock Road in Hastings, is the fastest growing sales and lettings agency in the 1066 area. It is a new, innovative and forward-thinking company, which specialises in residential sales and lettings. All enquiries are dealt with by a Director of the firm, thus providing a reliable, professional and dedicated service at all times. The company covers Hastings, Bexhill, St Leonards, Westfield, Battle, Sedlescombe, Fairlight and other surrounding areas as well.
United Chairman Dave Walters commented, "We are excited at the prospect of working with Smart Property Solutions over the next two seasons, and are very grateful to them for showing such faith in what we are trying to do at the Club. For such a fledgling company to be so proactive and supportive of the senior Football Club in the area is a tremendous credit to them, and as a Club, we will be doing whatever we can to help them promote their business. I would urge all supporters to think of Smart first, when they come to sell their houses. In fact, all Supporters’ Club members will receive a discounted commission from Smart Property Solutions for using their services."
Smart Property Solutions Director Isaac Bull added, "We are all very excited about this new deal, and hope that over time, our name can become synonymous with Hastings United Football Club, who have enjoyed continued success over recent seasons. We are hoping that this can become a long term relationship, and are looking to build strong local connections with the Club and its supporters".
Dave Walters and Chris Russo attended the 1006 Business Awards ceremony at the Powdermills Hotel in Battle on Friday afternoon, with the Club having been nominated in the Hospitality, Tourism and Leisure Business of the Year category, sponsored by Hastings Borough Council and 1066 Country Marketing.
Hastings United was fortunate enough to win the award, beating the George Inn at Robertsbridge into the runners-up position, a fitting tribute to the magnificent efforts of everyone involved in the day-to-day running of the Club, and those volunteers who give up their time on matchdays, without whom the Club could not function so successfully.
The Club's winning entry, penned by Dave, is reproduced in full below.
"I believe that we should be awarded the ‘Hospitality, Tourism & Leisure Award’ because of the exceptional year we have enjoyed as a club. As the only senior football club in Hastings, we are at the forefront of sporting activity in the town, and are followed with interest by many, even those who do not regularly get to games. We achieved promotion in the 2006/07 season from the Isthmian League Division One South to the Isthmian League Premier Division, which is level three of the non-league football ladder. Our resources were inferior to other clubs in the division, but despite this, we still achieved promotion via the play-offs. Our average crowd for the season was over 400, and we took many supporters to our play-off semi-final and final games, both away from home. Our progress was followed and reported widely on Arrow FM and the Observer. We also get regular coverage from the Brighton Argus, which helps to put Hastings on a wider map.
We are also currently in discussion with Hastings Borough Council regarding relocating to a new state of the art stadium in the town. These discussions have been ongoing for over a year, and a business plan has been submitted. The project has received cross-party support from all political parties. We feel that this is a much needed facility for Hastings, and will provide a major boost, not only to the Club, but to the wider community through the additional facilities we will be able to offer.
Our achievements, last year in particular, were provided by a sound financial background, which is unusual in the football industry, where many clubs, both professional and semi-professional, operate with significant, and often substantial, losses on a year to year basis. In fact, Hastings United Football Club has led a precarious existence for many years. The Club went out of business in 1985 and, as recently as 1991, was in administration. However, since the Club was under new ownership from early 2004, it has operated with no debts whatsoever. Given the nature of the industry in which we operate, we are very proud of this fact. Many clubs are backed financially by one or more individuals. We do not have anyone subsidising the Club in this way, and therefore it must be, and is, run on sound financial principles. Our average crowd has gone up from last season to just under 600, and this has allowed us to compete at the new level we are playing at. Our commercial activities remain a vital part of our business model, and we are grateful for the support of many businesses in the local area. We are also involved in the local community, and have provided our facilities free of charge to Martha Trust, St Michael’s Hospice, 1066 Specials and the Alzheimer's Society, among others. We were also the subject of a case study provided for William Parker School’s year ten last summer, which involved our input and adjudicating on the various study groups' contributions. We operate a Study Support Centre with Hastings College from the Club on a Monday to Friday. We also have a successful youth section, with fourteen teams playing as Hastings United most weekends.
The most important reasons for the success and well being of the Club are the quality, dedication and enthusiasm of the people within it. Although the principles outlined above are important, they could not be implemented without having the people necessary to carry them through. We currently have three directors, a full time secretary, a number of paid employees on matchdays, and a host of volunteers. Irrespective of whether they get paid or not, we are indebted to this small army of people, without whom the Club could not exist. We saw the demise of St Leonards Football Club some four years ago, and one of the reasons cited for this was due to the dwindling number of people that the club was able to call on to help keep them going. Our strength and success is in no small way attributable to the people we have at the Club. This includes the players and management, most of whom are local. This helps to foster the team spirit and pride of playing for your local club. They are not the highest paid players in the league, but they play a full part in the ongoing success of the Club.
This season has seen our average crowd size increase by almost 50%, which is a remarkable figure. Our supporters are our customers and, if they were not happy with what they were seeing, they would 'vote with their feet'. We are also featured every week in the Argus and Observer, and weekly interviews are given to, and broadcast by, Arrow FM. We also have a thriving Supporters' Club, run by an energetic and enthusiastic committee, who help the Club in many ways, and provide social facilities for supporters. We also communicate with supporters via our website, and there are also unofficial forums, where supporters can air their views on all Club matters.
We try and provide a positive, rewarding and appreciative atmosphere for all involved at the Club, whether employee or volunteer. Without this, it would be very difficult to operate. In particular, with such a heavy reliance on volunteers, if they did not enjoy their experience at the Club, they could easily walk away, as they would not have the income considerations to weigh up against any feelings of dissatisfaction with how the Club was operated. We try to keep everyone informed on all relevant matters, and would hope that all involved feel that they could speak to any of the directors at any time. We certainly do not have an elitist mentality at the Club."
Hastings United Football Club is delighted to announce that, from next season, it will be operating an Academy, in conjunction with the federal sixth form based at William Parker Sports College.
The Academy will be based primarily at William Parker in Parkstone Road, with coaching provided by both Club and College personnel, qualified to at least UEFA level two. Students will have five modules to choose from, one of which will be football, with the other four being standard academic courses and qualifications. The football module will include coaching, with students being able to learn to become a coach of at least level one standard. As the scheme develops, other areas will be included, such as refereeing and first aid courses, as well as diet and nutrition.
The Academy football team will represent the College in midweek, and will form part of the Hastings United Under 18 side, competing in the Sussex County Youth League, mainly on Sundays, along with other players from within the Club's existing Youth Section, which continues to go from strength to strength. The team will also act as a feeder side to the Club's Reserve and First Team squads. It is anticipated that the coaching aspect will improve the skills of everyone involved, while team cohesion and understanding will also benefit from the side playing together up to twice per week.
United Chairman Dave Walters commented, "We are very excited at the prospects the Academy will bring to the Club. Since I have been here, it has been my belief that developing local talent is the only viable way forward for the Club. Working alongside William Parker is a logical step, due to their Sports College status, and enviable reputation for producing excellent footballers. We see this as a very progressive and potentially rewarding venture for the Club, the College and, most of all, the students who take part. The Academy side will be managed by Ken Dullaway, who is also the football in the community officer for Hastings Borough Council. This will also further the relationship with the Club, as it looks to work with the Council on its new stadium project."
A meeting for interested students and parents will take place at Hastings United Football Club on Wednesday 27 February at 7.30pm, where the Academy set-up will be explained, and any questions answered.
For further information ahead of that meeting, please contact Ken Dullaway on 07778 065135, Dave Walters on 07970 165102, or Ian Gillespie at William Parker Sports College on 01424 439888.
Hastings United Football Club is delighted to announce the appointment of Tony Dolby as the new First Team manager at the Pilot Field, with Mike Rutherford joining as his assistant.
The pair struck up an excellent working relationship during a four year spell in charge of Tonbridge Angels, which was brought to an end a couple of months ago as the Kent side struggled near the foot of the Ryman League Premier Division table. They will be facing a similar challenge at Hastings, with last season’s Division One South play-off winners currently languishing in the relegation zone, leading to the departure of Nigel Kane from the manager’s hotseat at the end of December, since when United have been under the caretaker control of Reserve Team management duo John Lambert and Wayne Farrier.
Tony had initially joined Tonbridge as a player ahead of the 2003/04 season, but at just twenty-nine years of age, found himself elevated to the role of player-manager within a matter of months, appointing Mike as his right hand man shortly afterwards. They led the Angels to a third place finish in the Southern League Eastern Division and a place in the Ryman Premier following the restructuring of the non-league game. Relegation to Division One South followed in their first full season at the helm, but Tonbridge bounced straight back the following season, again finishing third, but winning promotion via the play-offs, and went on to secure a comfortable mid-table finish in the 2006/07 campaign.
Both men started their playing days in the Football League, Tony with Millwall, and Mike with Queens Park Rangers, although both went on to spend the majority of their careers in the upper echelons of non-league football. But while Tony appeared for the likes of Barnet, Gravesend & Northfleet and Welling United, amongst others, Mike was more of a one club man, making over 300 appearances in an eight year spell with Welling, before joining Chelmsford City and subsequently being forced into semi-retirement by a niggling knee injury.
Still only thirty-three, it is hoped that Tony will also add some much needed experience to a youthful United playing squad, with Hastings Chairman Dave Walters also promising to provide his new manager with additional funds to further strengthen the squad, as the Club strives to retain its Premier Division status.
Dave said of the appointment, "We are delighted to secure the services of Tony Dolby as our new First Team manager, along with Mike Rutherford as his assistant. Although we advertised the post, there were a couple of people targeted who we wanted to speak with, Tony being one of them. He is only thirty-three but has managed at this level with Tonbridge and secured promotion for them a couple of years ago. He has extensive contacts in the game and will be looking to strengthen the squad immediately. We are convinced that Tony and Mike are the right men to give us the best possible chance of avoiding relegation this season and to build for the future. We would like to thank John and Wayne for their considerable efforts in holding the fort since Nigel’s departure, and are very pleased that they have agreed to carry on doing the extremely valuable job of looking after and nurturing our very good Reserve side."
Tony was introduced to the players before United’s home game with AFC Hornchurch this afternoon, and then watched from the stands as Hastings played out a rather tedious goalless draw. He will now officially begin the task of keeping the Club in the Premier Division, with the visit to East Thurrock United next Saturday being his first match in charge.
It has been confirmed that the United Reserves management duo of John Lambert and Wayne Farrier have agreed to continue in the First Team roles recently vacated by Nigel and Norman Kane, on a caretaker basis for the time being, while the Club advertises the position of First Team Manager, specifically in this coming Sunday's edition of the national Non-League Paper. Interested parties are invited to apply in writing to Dave Walters at the Pilot Field, with the successful candidate being selected after an interview process.
John and Wayne stepped in at short notice to oversee last Saturday's home fixture against Tonbridge Angels, and have now accepted a formal invitation to temporarily look after First Team affairs, starting away to league leaders Chelmsford City tomorrow. Keith Miles kindly took charge of the Reserves away to Crowborough last weekend, with Ken Dullaway set to do so for tomorrow's Sussex Intermediate Cup clash with St Francis Rangers.
Preparations for the first ever visit to Chelmsford's recently constructed Melbourne Park ground have been hit by the one match suspensions due to be served by both Tim Olorunda and Sam Adams, and the release of recent signing Ryan Andrews during the week. Russell Eldridge has earned a rapid recall to the senior squad, after scoring in a rare Reserve Team outing last weekend, while Youth and Reserve Team skipper Jack Franklin has been handed a perhaps long overdue First Team call-up, the central midfielder having made his solitary senior appearance to date as a half time substitute in the Sussex Senior Cup tie at Wealden back in October. Included for the first time is defender Ashley Paine, who only joined the Club from Westfield in late November, but has greatly impressed in his four Reserve Team appearances thus far.
The Club wishes to comment on a couple of points raised in today's Hastings Observer newspaper, both of which have been the source of much debate amongst supporters in recent weeks. First of all, there appears to be a misapprehension surrounding the Club's financial situation, with specific regard to this season's playing budget, the Observer suggesting that Nigel Kane had "little money to play with" and therefore "had no option but to stick with the young squad which had served him so well when they began their assault on the Ryman Premier".
The truth is that the playing budget was increased significantly ahead of the 2007/07 campaign, from what was already a sufficiently good budget to secure promotion last season. The playing budget is currently set at its highest level since Dave Walters took over as Chairman of the Club in February 2004, and by a considerable margin at that. Nigel was working within this budget up until his departure after Christmas, and there has therefore always been additional money available for strengthening the squad, so any perception that this did not occur cannot be blamed on a lack of funds. The Club will continue to be run prudently, but it is considered insulting to the number of people who help to raise funds in different ways to suggest that their efforts are to little avail.
On an unrelated matter, United Chairman Dave Walters would like to clarify his involvement, or lack of it to be more precise, in the decision to release Club captain Sean Ray in November. The Observer article states that Dave was "in complete agreement with the decision", although he had in fact merely advised Nigel that he would quite rightly support him in whatever decision he came to, and it actually came as quite a surprise when Dave learnt of the ultimate outcome the morning after the event.
To conclude on a lighter note, United has teamed up with Style Entertainments, one of the Club's Business Partners, to provide a series of events during February, March and April, culminating in a sequence of special football days in early May. A poster, containing full details, can be accessed at the following link, which will also be added to the home page of the site for future reference. Events poster
It has been confirmed this evening that Hastings United Football Club has parted company with First Team manager Nigel Kane, following a poor sequence of results dating back to the end of October that has seen last season's Ryman League Division One South play-off winners sink into the heart of this year's Premier Division relegation battle, despite a promising start to their campaign.
Chairman Dave Walters came to the reluctant conclusion that a change in direction was required, after a 1-0 defeat at Folkestone Invicta on Boxing Day, United's ninth defeat in eleven matches, one which saw the Club slide into the bottom four ahead of Saturday's vital home clash with fellow strugglers Tonbridge Angels.
Nigel first joined United as a player at the start of the 2005/06 season, when Neville Southall was manager at the Pilot Field, but within six months, he had been invited to take the helm after the ex-Welsh International goalkeeper left the Club, along with the majority of his backroom team.
Initially in joint control of team affairs with Pat Brown, Nigel took sole charge in February 2006 when Pat stood down, and led United to a comfortable mid-table finish. His first full season in the role started poorly, but having appointed his brother Norman as his assistant manager, Nigel oversaw a remarkable turnaround in the Club's fortunes, transforming the side from relegation candidates to title contenders in just a couple of months on the back of a nine match unbeaten run, while a further sixteen games then elapsed before United suffered their next loss. Back-to-back defeats after Easter eventually saw the Club finish fourth in the table, but against the odds, Nigel led United to successive 2-0 wins away to Dover Athletic and Tooting & Mitcham United in the play-offs, earning them a memorable promotion in the process.
After a rather inauspicious start to the 2007/08 season, United's impressive home form left them well placed in the top six after a 3-0 win over Carshalton Athletic in mid-October, but the unexpected and controversial decision to release skipper Sean Ray coincided with the start of a slump in form that has brought only one victory since, 1-0 at home to Heybridge Swifts on 8 December. United also remain without an away league win this season, with the defeat at the Buzzlines Stadium signalling the end of Nigel's two year tenure.
Dave was quick to pay tribute to Nigel for the magnificent part he played in United's upturn in fortunes last season and for the manner in which he conducted himself throughout his time with the Club, especially when unequivocally stepping into the job at short notice in the wake of Neville's disruptive departure. However, the time had clearly come for some decisive action to be taken in an effort to safeguard United's Premier Division future.
Dave commented, "I am very grateful to Nigel, who helped me and the Club out in a very difficult situation following Neville Southall’s departure, along with Pat Brown at the time. I could not have hoped that he would go on to do so well, and lead us to promotion last season. However, we both agreed that he had probably taken the Club as far as he could, and that, for both parties, a change would be in our best interests. I fully expect to see Nigel go on and achieve further success in management, and he goes with the thanks and best wishes of all the directors and, I would hope, most, if not all, of the supporters."
United's current Reserve Team management duo of John Lambert and Wayne Farrier have been asked to oversee First Team matters this weekend, while former Hastings striker and one time Sidley United manager Keith Miles has kindly agreed to look after the Reserves for their visit to Crowborough Athletic. No decisions on Nigel's potential successor, or on the likely selection process, should be expected until the New Year.
United manager Nigel Kane has been dealt a huge blow as the season approaches its mid-point, with the news that his brother Norman has been forced to resign from his role as assistant manager due to increasing work and family commitments. After much deliberation, Norman has come to the reluctant conclusion that he will no longer be able to devote the appropriate amount of time to the role, and that it will be in his, and the Club's, best interests for him to step down.
Norman was first invited to assist Nigel in November 2006, and the siblings oversaw the remarkable turnaround in United's fortunes, which led to the Club winning promotion to the Premier Division via the play-offs. Everyone at the Pilot Field, and most especially Nigel himself, would like to thank Norman for his contribution over the last thirteen months, and to wish him all the best for a future that may yet include some occasional scouting missions for the Club. No decision has yet been made over any potential replacement.
Meanwhile, the Club's quest for Council backing over its proposed move to a new stadium has now proceeded to the next level, as is explained in the following press release, issued by chairman Dave Walters this week.
"Hastings United Football Club is pleased to be able to announce that the business plan for the relocation of the Club is now complete, and has been handed to Hastings Borough Council.
The town’s senior side has been housed at its current, very aged, stadium since the early part of the last century, and is now finding that the upkeep of the stadium is growing more expensive each season, especially with ground grading criteria becoming more and more stringent, both in terms of facilities, and stadium safety requirements. The possibility of a relocation of the Club was explored with Hastings Borough Council, the club’s landlord, some fifteen years ago, but at that time, discussions never got beyond a very preliminary stage.
The Club feels that now is the ideal time to explore possibilities again, with a new stadium and other new facilities being the target. The Club is both conscious and aware that it will need to work with, and listen very closely to, the views of Hastings Borough Council, who own the freehold to both the Pilot Field and The Firs sites.
The Club's opinion is that the Pilot Field and The Firs would, subject to appropriate amendment to the Borough Plan, make ideal sites for tasteful housing developments. The Pilot Field is old and outdated and needs replacing, and The Firs site, since the demise of St Leonards Football Club a few years ago, has become run down, and has been subject to vandalism. Although the Club does not own the lease to the Firs, it is felt that the inclusion of this land in the project, is essential to make it viable.
The sale of the Pilot Field and The Firs sites could generate sufficient capital to, not only build a new football stadium, but to also provide other much needed sporting facilities for the Borough on the same site. It is hoped that a third generation, all-weather pitch could be built alongside a new stadium.
Without a new facility, the Club may struggle to survive another decade and, for a town the size of Hastings, this cannot be allowed to happen. Conversely, a new stadium could help propel the Club up the non-league ladder to a status more befitting a town that has a greater population than Wigan, which currently has a Premiership football club!
With the vision, enthusiasm and energy provided by the principal partners in such a sporting project, the Borough could end up with new sporting facilities that the people of Hastings could be proud of for years to come.
The ball is now firmly in Hastings Borough Council's court, but the Club feels very optimistic that this is a shared vision, and looks forward to working with Hastings Borough Council to make this project happen.
Anyone interested in finding out more should initially write to Hastings United Football Club chairman David Walters at the Pilot Field, Elphinstone Road, Hastings, East Sussex, TN34 2AX."
A week after signing striker Frankie Sawyer, United manager Nigel Kane has bolstered his back four with the arrival of full back Ryan Andrews. The twenty year old defender was formerly a trainee with West Ham United and was only released from Upton Park last year. He had a brief spell with Shrewsbury Town, before returning to the south-east to play for Walton & Hersham and Ashford Town, and starting this season at Dover Athletic, leaving earlier this month after being unable to command a regular First Team place. Ryan made a promising debut for the Club in last night's Reserve Team victory over Rye United and will be in contention for a first senior start at Boreham Wood on Saturday.
Manager Nigel Kane has added to his striking options by capturing the signature of Frankie Sawyer upon his release from a brief stint with Conference South side Welling United. Frankie started his career as a trainee with Millwall, and has also enjoyed spells at Fisher Athletic and Dagenham & Redbridge. He is blessed with electric pace, but has been short of match practice of late, and linked up with John Lambert for the Reserves' visit to Hailsham yesterday, promptly scoring on his debut. All being well, he will be in consideration for a First Team call-up for next weekend's trip to Boreham Wood.
There has been less positive news of Nigel's bid to sign experienced Leatherhead midfielder Steve Sargent and Sittingbourne winger Mitchell Sherwood. Although it had been reported in the Surrey press that Sargent had quit the Tanners for United, it transpires that he has accepted an offer to join Premier Division rivals Carshalton Athletic instead, while Sherwood has chosen to again link up with manager Steve Lovell at Ashford Town. Unfortunately, Joe Nwoki, the former Gillingham striker, suffered a twisted ankle whilst training with United on Thursday evening, forcing Nigel to delay any decision on whether or not to add him to his squad as well.
AFC Wimbledon visit the Pilot Field this coming Saturday, November 17th. The Club has arranged for the car park to the north of the ground to be opened on the day, in order to ease any parking problems. The car park is accessed via the track between the Pilot Field and the second pitch just up the hill from it, which is signposted as leading to the Elphinstone Sports & Social Club. However, supporters are specifically requested not to leave vehicles in their car park, following the clearly signposted route to the Football Club's car park instead. It is also an offence to park on any verge, or kerb, and the Club has been advised by Sussex Police that officers will be in the area, and will deal with any cars parked illegally.
Two turnstiles will be open to the north of the ground from 1.30pm, and can be accessed via the same track as the car park, while at least three turnstiles will be open at the main entrance on Elphinstone Road from 1.00pm. Supporters are encouraged to arrive early to avoid large queues forming prior to kick off. The Clubhouse bar will also be open from 1.00pm, and the food bar will be open from 1.15pm.
Tickets to the game will not be on sale in advance, but please note that the main, seating only, Pavilion Stand is subject to a maximum capacity of 400 spectators. In order to comply with East Sussex County Council’s safety certificate for the ground, tickets will be issued on the access steps to the main stand on the day of the game at no additional charge. Once all of the tickets have been issued though, no other persons will be permitted to enter the stand. and anyone with a ticket must keep it in their possession, as re-entry to the stand will only be allowed on production of said ticket.
Hastings United Football Club takes the health & safety of all supporters seriously, and enforces its ground regulations to help maintain the security of every visitor. Please bear in mind that the following are offences, for which a person could be arrested by a police officer: attempting to enter the ground, or being inside the ground, whilst drunk; upon entering the ground, being in possession of any intoxicating liquor, or any bottle, can, or other portable container, which could cause damage or personal injury. Please be advised that bags may be searched when entering the ground.
With speculation mounting over Sean Ray's future at the Pilot Field, after his omission from Saturday's FA Trophy defeat at Uxbridge, United manager Nigel Kane has this morning confirmed that he has decided to release the central defender and Club captain, a relative veteran of 141 games for United, in which he also contributed twenty-four goals. The surprise move comes less than three months into United's first season back at Premier Division level, a campaign of contrasts thus far, with some fine attacking football having been mixed with some battling performances and a small handful of aberrations.
One of the latter category proved to be Sean's final outing, a 4-1 defeat at Ramsgate, which saw United produce an unacceptable defensive performance to match even their opening day horror show at Billericay. The seemingly talismanic effect that Sean previously had on United's fortunes appeared to be missing this season and, far from being invincible with him in the line-up and brittle without him, the opposite has almost been true, with United winning both league matches, against Horsham and Carshalton, from which Sean was missing, and keeping clean sheets on both occasions. Having missed much of United's pre-season campaign, Sean appears to have struggled against stronger, fitter and quicker opponents at the higher level, and there have also been question marks over his attitude after displays of dissent towards the dug-out in the Ramsgate match and also at Hendon.
Nigel commented, "Sean played a big part in our success last season, but has not displayed the same leadership or organisational skills on the pitch this season. However, I did not state at any time that he had not been loyal to the Club", refuting an allegation posted on the Club's unofficial forum and attributed to Sean himself.
He added, "I have made this decision in the best interests of the Club and I feel that Sean will also benefit from a fresh challenge. There is no doubt that Sean still has ability, but I feel that the team will function better without him. I told Sean that I still felt he was a good player, but that he could be a better player if he gave 100% in training and was prepared to listen and adapt his game. Hopefully, he will take my comments on board and learn from them. If he does, I am sure that he will flourish at his next club."
As one player departs though, another one joins, with Nigel also confirming the signing of Antonio Gonnella, an eighteen year old right sided midfielder or wing back, who has already gained Conference South experience with Fisher Athletic and Cambridge City. Antonio goes straight into the United squad for this evening's Sussex Senior Cup tie at Lewes.
United have also put in seven day letters for three other players, two of whom have previous experience at the Pilot Field. Leatherhead's influential midfielder Steve Sargent has been a long time target, while Sittingbourne winger Mitchell Sherwood and Corinthian-Casuals striker Joe Nwoki, recently released by Gillingham, have also been approached.
After a rather lengthy search, manager Nigel Kane has finally been able to name Gareth Sefton's successor as First Team Coach at the Pilot Field. Jon Morgan has been appointed to the role and will start at this Thursday's training session, and one of his first duties will be to perform fitness assessments on every member of the squad, while he will also take responsibility for devising ongoing training programmes and for preparing the team on matchdays. Jon is a sports science graduate and runs his own personal training business, and he has already watched a number of United's matches this season, which has enabled him to identify certain strengths and weaknesses, both individually and collectively. As a younger man, he played youth football for Brighton & Hove Albion, and enjoyed spells with Woking and Farnborough Town amongst others, but he is now a very welcome addition to the back room staff and we wish him well in his new role.
Tomorrow (Tuesday) evening, United make the short journey to Uckfield to take on County League Division Two side Wealden in the second round of the Sussex Senior Cup. They will go into the game without skipper Sean Ray, who is serving a one match suspension for his red card at AFC Hornchurch a fortnight ago. The early indications are that keeper Lee Worgan will be rested, potentially giving Jani Seitsonen his first senior appearance for the Club, while Jimmy Elford, Lee Carey, Danny Ellis and Ade Olorunda may also be omitted, and Rhys Whyborne's hamstring injury is unlikely to be risked. Tim Olorunda looks set to play some part tomorrow, after missing seven games with a niggling groin injury, and United are also preparing to give youth a chance, with the likes of Jack Franklin, Matt Maclean and Matt Darby all in line for a debut First Team call-up. The match kicks off at 7.45pm at Wealden's ground, The Oaks, and extra time will be played if the scores are level after ninety minutes, but the tie would then go to a replay, rather than be settled on the night with a penalty shoot-out.
The following night, United's Under 18 side will be in action at the Pilot Field, taking on Whyteleafe Youth in the second qualifying round of the FA Youth Cup. United have won their last three matches, scoring sixteen goals in the process, including a 5-0 win at Broadbridge Heath in the first round of the League Cup yesterday, which featured a Liam Miles hattrick. The prize for the winners on Wednesday will be a home draw against Tonbridge Angels Youth or East Grinstead Town Youth in the third and final qualifying round in two weeks time.
The First Team are without a game on Saturday, because their scheduled opponents Staines Town are involved in the third qualifying round of the FA Cup, but the Reserves will be in Sussex Intermediate Cup first round action at the Pilot Field, taking on Brighton based side American Express. Although there was a possibility that the kick off time would be changed to avoid a clash with England's next Euro 2008 qualifier, it has been confirmed that the usual 3.00pm start time will apply.
Three days later, the First Team will be at home to Carshalton, the match from which Kevin Rose will be suspended following his sending off at Horsham last week. Ade Olorunda's red card in Saturday's defeat to Chelmsford will result in a three match ban, starting with the FA Trophy visit to Edgware Town on 20 October. It will then take in the league game at Hendon the following week, and also the match at Ramsgate on 30 October, unless the Edgware game ends in a draw and a replay is required, in which case Ade should be available again for the trip to north-east Kent.
After that run of away fixtures, United will be back at the Pilot Field on 10 November for the visit of Leyton, who are currently bottom of the Premier Division table. The Club has decided to mark the occasion of its first ever competitive meeting with the East Londoners by offering free entry to any supporters attending the game suitably attired in a replica United home or away shirt dating back no further than the 2003/04 season, when Decorlux Ceramics were the Club's main sponsor, and during which Dave Walters took over the reigns as Chairman. The idea was borne of Dave's long held ambition to see more United shirts being worn around the town, rather than the present glut of Premier League shirts, so why not wear yours with extra pride that day and make the most of this great incentive!
The weekend's Premier Division results saw wins for the top three, and a first of the season for Heybridge to move off the bottom. United slipped back to eleventh and are likely to slide still further as they and East Thurrock are the only sides not in league action this midweek. Saturday's results: AFC Wimbledon 2-0 Maidstone United, Ashford Town (Middx) 0-0 Margate, Billericay Town 2-5 East Thurrock United, Boreham Wood 0-4 Tonbridge Angels, Carshalton Athletic 0-2 Hendon, Harlow Town 0-0 AFC Hornchurch, Hastings United 0-3 Chelmsford City, Heybridge Swifts 4-0 Harrow Borough, Horsham 4-0 Wealdstone, Leyton 0-1 Folkestone Invicta, Ramsgate 0-1 Staines Town.
After suffering back-to-back away defeats at Shoreham and Eastbourne United Association, the Reserves returned to the Pilot Field and picked up three useful points from a 1-0 victory over Whitehawk this afternoon. John Lambert's charges were made to work hard for the win though, against a side with only one victory in four games heading into the contest, and it took an eighty-seventh minute goal from Matt Cornelius, his second of the season, to take the points. United stay third in the County League table as a consequence, behind Shoreham on goal difference, and three points behind Eastbourne Borough. Further details of the match will be added to the Reserve Reports section in due course.
In the Ryman Premier today, leaders Hendon continued their excellent early season form, collecting their sixth win in eight games thus far. They now have a three point advantage over Ramsgate and Boreham Wood, the latter enjoying a superb victory at Billericay this afternoon, while Horsham's win over Chelmsford took them above the Essex side and back into the top four. United slipped a place to sixth, but remain the best placed of the four promoted teams at this stage. Maidstone moved off the bottom after picking up their second win of the season today, with still winless Heybridge replacing them at the foot of the table, and Tonbridge dropping to second from bottom. The match between AFC Hornchurch and Staines was abandoned after thirty-one minutes with the scoreline goalless, because of an ankle injury suffered by one of the assistant referees.
Today's results in full. AFC Hornchurch A - A Staines Town, AFC Wimbledon 1-0 Heybridge Swifts, Ashford Town (Middx) 0-2 Leyton, Billericay Town 0-4 Boreham Wood, East Thurrock United 0-1 Carshalton Athletic, Folkestone Invicta 1-1 Harrow Borough, Harlow Town 0-0 Hastings United, Horsham 2-1 Chelmsford City, Maidstone United 2-1 Tonbridge Angels, Margate 0-2 Hendon, Wealdstone 1-2 Ramsgate.
Finally for now, the Club is delighted to have been shortlisted in the 'Outstanding Sports Team' category at the Hastings Achievers Awards ceremony, to be held at the Hastings Centre on Tuesday 9 October. Supporters are very welcome to attend, with tickets being available now from the Town Hall. Somewhat disappointingly, United manager Nigel Kane was not shortlisted in the 'Outstanding Sports Personality’ category, having originally been amongst the nominees. The Club can only conclude that the category must feature some truly incredible achievers this year for Nigel to have missed out, but we will have to wait until the evening itself to find out who they are. However, as the date does clash with United's Sussex Senior Cup second round tie away to Wealden, we may perhaps never know!
The following is a statement released by United chairman Dave Walters on behalf the Club last week.
"The Club's proposal for a new stadium was finally discussed briefly at Hastings Borough Council's cabinet meeting on Monday 10 September. Although the Club is happy that it has reached this stage, it is also frustrating that, after initial discussions dating back more than a year, the project is no further on.
The Council has asked the Club to prepare a business plan, although it was previously felt that there was a general agreement that the next step would involve a feasibility study. The Club will prepare a business plan, but the basic proposal remains the same, and is fundamentally very simple in its concepts.
The Council was first approached over a year ago with the proposal to sell the land known as "The Firs", home to St Leonards Football Club until their demise almost four years ago, along with the Pilot Field. "The Firs" has been left largely derelict over the last four years and has attracted vandals and arsonists as a result. It does house a multi-purpose games area, which the Council admits has been wrongly sized and has the effect of 'sanitising' the rest of the area. One other small area is used as an educational facility.
The Pilot Field is some one hundred years old and is becoming ever more costly to maintain and repair. In fact, Councillor Pragnell, the Council leader, has admitted that it is "not fit for purpose". It has for some time now been felt by the Club that there will be no better time to sell the land housing "The Firs" and the Pilot Field, which amounts to some fifteen or sixteen acres. This does not include the Elphinstone Social Club, which sits between the two areas, and naturally, its future would have to be decided between its owners and the Council.
The land in question has had an initial assessment by one of the United Kingdom's largest developers, who have indicated that a sum of at least £10 million could be expected from its sale. Councillors Pragnell and Finch have visited the new ground built by Dartford Council, which cost £7.5 million. The big difference is that the Dartford project came out of taxpayers' funds, whereas the Hastings project would be funded by the sale of the land and should cost taxpayers nothing. However, a state of the art facility could then be provided for the town, which is sadly lacking in good sporting facilities.
Although it would not be expected that funds would be needed from Council Tax payers, the Club is puzzled as to why the White Rock Theatre is seen as so important to the town, that it is subsidised to the tune of £500,000 per annum out of Council funds, and likewise, the swimming pool at Summerfields is subsidised by some £300,000 per annum. The Football Club receives no subsidy whatsoever, other than a rates rebate, which is currently being queried. Are these institutions so much more important to Hastings than its senior football club?"
While the wrangles over United's new stadium proposal will doubtless grind slowly on, the more mundane day-to-day affairs continue, with various new and amended fixtures being confirmed this week. The home league game against East Thurrock United has been brought forward by a week and a half to next Saturday 29 September, made possible by both sides' elimination from the FA Cup last weekend. The original date of that contest, Tuesday 9 October, has now been set aside for United's trip to face County League Division Two side Wealden in the second round of the Sussex Senior Cup, while a week beforehand, on Tuesday 2 October, United will be in Westview League Cup action away to Horsham. But before all that, next Thursday 27 September, United's youngsters travel to Merstham F.C. in Surrey to take on South Park in the first qualifying round of the FA Youth Cup. All of these midweek matches kick off at 7.45pm, while the East Thurrock match will coincide with the Pilot Field appearance of the South East Stars, a part of Active Hastings, who will perform their cheerleading and dance routines before kick off and during the half time interval.
This coming weekend, United make their first ever visit to Barrows Farm, home of Harlow Town F.C., as the Premier Division campaign resumes in amongst all of the various cup distractions. Harlow have this week announced that they are holding a 'Kids For A Quid' day on Saturday, when all under 16s tickets will cost just £1. The promotion is being sponsored by Paradise Wildlife Park, which is set in twenty-six acres of Hertfordshire countryside near to Broxbourne Woods. Inside every matchday programme on Saturday will be a voucher for one child to visit Paradise Wildlife Park for free, when accompanied by two paying adults. You can visit the Paradise Wildlife Park website at www.pwpark.com.
Brief match reports have been added to the relevant sections of the site outlining the details of the Reserves' 1-0 defeat at Eastbourne United Association last Saturday, and the Youth Team's 4-3 loss at Rustington the following day.
United manager Nigel Kane has agreed terms with nineteen year old striker Tom Poole in the build-up to tomorrow afternoon's Premier Division Sussex derby against Horsham at the Pilot Field. Tom signs for the Club from Eastern League outfit Tiptree United, where he has been in fine early season form, netting five goals in as many games for the Essex side, including an FA Cup extra preliminary round replay hattrick away to Sawbridgeworth Town. He also scored against United during an ultimately unsuccessful pre-season trial with Dartford, the opening goal in a 1-1 draw at Princes Park, in what was United's first outing of the current campaign. Tom's previous club was Billericay Town, for whom he made his Ryman League debut during the 2005/06 season.
Tom goes immediately into the First Team squad for an intriguing encounter against a Hornets side that could feature former United player of the season Carl Rook and one-time midfield stalwart Stuart Myall, as well as recent United transfer target, striker Simon Austin. Central midfielder Tim Olorunda looks set to miss the game due to his ongoing niggling injury, and Nima Cham rejoins the squad after playing ninety minutes for the Reserves last weekend. Dominic Cruttenden is the player to make way to accommodate Tom's arrival, but he should link up with the Reserves once more, as John Lambert takes his young side to Shoreham for a County League fixture. The Under 18s take on Seaford at the Pilot Field on Sunday morning.
Please note that England's home Euro 2008 qualifier against Israel will be available to watch in the Clubhouse at the conclusion of tomorrow's match. The Wembley encounter kicks off at 5.00pm and all supporters are very welcome to stay behind to get a piece of the international action.
The midweek matches in the Premier Division saw parity start to reign, as sides towards the bottom largely prospered at the expense of the sides nearer the top. That was no better highlighted than by events in east London, where rock bottom Leyton beat second placed Horsham, while Wealdstone also sprang a surprise by inflicting a first defeat of the season on Staines. Hendon are the new leaders, deposing East Thurrock, who lost at Chelmsford on Monday, while Maidstone returned to the foot of the table after suffering another heavy loss. Billericay remain the only unbeaten side in the division, while Heybridge are the only side still looking for their first win. United's excellent home win over Margate saw them rise one place to tenth.
Here are the week's results. Chelmsford City 2-0 East Thurrock United, Boreham Wood 1-0 AFC Wimbledon, Carshalton Athletic 0-2 Harlow Town, Harrow Borough 3-1 Ashford Town (Middx), Hastings United 2-1 Margate, Hendon 3-1 AFC Hornchurch, Heybridge Swifts 2-2 Billericay Town, Leyton 4-3 Horsham, Ramsgate 4-0 Maidstone United, Staines Town 0-1 Wealdstone, Tonbridge Angels 1-2 Folkestone Invicta
The Westview Cup second round draw was published yesterday, and a year on from their early exit at AFC Wimbledon, United face another tricky tie in this season's competition, having been paired with Premier Division side Horsham at the West Sussex club's Queen Street home. The game is due to be played in the week commencing 1 October, while the two sides are scheduled to meet in the league at the Pilot Field next Saturday. The full second round draw has been added to the Fixtures & Results section, along with the scores from the weekend's FA Cup preliminary round ties.
The Reserves maintained their magnificent start to the season yesterday, edging a 1-0 Pilot Field victory over Oakwood, with Kevin Bird netting the late winner. Further details can be found on the Reserve Reports page.
In the Ryman Premier, Staines had gone top of the table with their win at Maidstone on Friday evening, but East Thurrock returned to the summit after beating Hendon yesterday. Horsham and Billericay lie second and third, with Margate and AFC Hornchurch completing the top six. The shock result of the weekend saw previously pointless Harrow win at AFC Wimbledon, moving off the foot of the table, where they were replaced by Leyton. After their draw at Wealdstone, United remain comfortably positioned in mid-table.
The weekend's results were Maidstone United 0-1 Staines Town, AFC Hornchurch 1-0 Chelmsford City, AFC Wimbledon 1-2 Harrow Borough, Ashford Town (Middx) 3-2 Heybridge Swifts, Billericay Town 4-0 Leyton, East Thurrock United 3-2 Hendon, Folkestone Invicta 0-1 Boreham Wood, Harlow Town 3-0 Ramsgate, Horsham 4-1 Carshalton Athletic, Margate 3-1 Tonbridge Angels, Wealdstone 3-3 Hastings United.
Nigel Kane's thin striking resources have been stretched that little bit further this week, with the news that Sam Adams fractured a bone in his hand and broke a finger in a freak accident towards the end of Saturday's home win over Ashford Town (Middx). The injury occurred while Sam was challenging for a header in the closing stages of the contest, his hand catching the shoulder of an opposing defender and causing the break. Although Sam played on for the remaining few minutes, medical opinion is that he should now rest the injury for a few weeks, leaving Ade Olorunda to carry the workload, alongside squad players John Bradley and Dominic Cruttenden.
The news on Tim Olorunda is rather more promising though, with the midfielder only having sat out Monday's 1-0 defeat at Tonbridge because of the niggling injury that forced him to miss the entire pre-season programme, which still prevents him from playing two games in such a short space of time. He should be fit again for the Wealdstone game this coming weekend.
The lengthy search for additional attacking options appeared to take a positive step last week, when Richard Piper signed Ryman and County League forms for the Club. Although only twenty-four, Richard has represented several sides in and around the Eastbourne area, having started his career as a trainee at Fulham. He made a scoring debut for United in the Reserves' 7-0 win at Arundel at the weekend. He was due to feature again in last night's 3-2 win at home to Eastbourne Borough, but withdrew from the contest late in the day. Details of both matches can be found on the Reserve Reports page.
A busy Bank Holiday weekend of fixtures in the Ryman Premier left no team with a 100% record, five unbeaten, and a further four winless. East Thurrock and Hendon are the surprise early pacesetters, with Harrow bringing up the rear, the only side yet to collect even a single point. United currently sit comfortably in eleventh position with two wins and two defeats from their opening four matches. All of the results follow.
Saturday: AFC Hornchurch 3-1 Harrow Borough, Carshalton Athletic 0-0 Billericay Town, Chelmsford City 7-0 Maidstone United, East Thurrock United 1-0 AFC Wimbledon, Harlow Town 0-3 Folkestone Invicta, Hastings United 2-0 Ashford Town (Middx), Hendon 3-2 Tonbridge Angels, Horsham 3-2 Boreham Wood, Ramsgate 3-2 Leyton, Staines Town 2-0 Heybridge Swifts, Wealdstone 2-4 Margate.
Monday/Tuesday: AFC Wimbledon 1-1 Staines Town, Ashford Town (Middx) 4-1 Wealdstone, Billericay Town 1-1 Chelmsford City, Boreham Wood 2-1 Harlow Town, Folkestone Invicta 0-3 Ramsgate, Harrow Borough 1-2 Hendon, Heybridge Swifts 1-1 AFC Hornchurch, Leyton 1-3, East Thurrock United, Margate 2-0 Horsham, Tonbridge Angels 1-0 Hastings United, Maidstone United 3-0 Carshalton Athletic.
Much has occurred since a team from Hastings last travelled to north-west London to take on Wealdstone in 1982, a 2-0 defeat that proved crucial in determining the destination of that season's Southern League Southern Division title. That erstwhile version of United has long since been replaced by a new one of course, while the Stones have endured many years of temporary accommodation after the sale of their old Lower Mead ground in the late 1980s. Ground share agreements with Watford, Yeading and Edgware have come and gone, and Wealdstone have spent the last couple of seasons at Northwood, which was to have been one of several new grounds for United to visit this year. However, the Ryman Division One North side have FA Cup commitments at their Chestnut Avenue home on 1 September, the date scheduled by the league for United's away match against Wealdstone, and with United unable to fulfil the fixture on the Friday before or the Sunday after, a new venue has had to be sought. Harrow Borough's Earlsmead Stadium will now host the match, three months before United will visit the ground to play Harrow themselves. Ironically, United were facing the prospect of yet another trip to Earlsmead for their FA Trophy tie against Edgware Town in October, when their would-be hosts were facing eviction from their White Lion Ground, although this issue seems to have been resolved for the time being.
The Reserves' fixtures for September were released by the County League this week. United will begin the month at home to Oakwood, before successive away fixtures at Shoreham and Eastbourne United Association, the latter on a Friday evening. They return to the Pilot Field on 22nd to take on Whitehawk, before ending with a trip to Chichester City United in the first round of the League Cup. Further details of the Reserves' opening day league victory at home to Crawley Down have been added to the new Reserve Reports page.
Like the Reserves, the Youth Team will be under new management this season, following Andy Thomson's decision to step down from the post. Scott Price has taken up the challenge of leading the side in their County League East campaign, for which United will be one of the favourites for the title. Whilst I am as yet unaware of the Youth Team's opening league fixtures, a date has been agreed for the preliminary round tie against Dover Athletic in the FA Youth Cup. The Whites will visit the Pilot Field on Wednesday 12 September for a 7.45pm kick off. Admission will be £2 for adults and £1 for all concessions.
Please note that a new fixture poster, covering the opening couple of weeks of next month, is now available to print and display in the public domain. Please take the following link. Fixture poster
The midweek Premier Division action left only three teams with 100% records and a further eight unbeaten. Billericay followed up their win over United with an equally impressive performance away to promoted AFC Hornchurch, while AFC Wimbledon and Horsham each picked up second victories as well. United's handsome victory over Maidstone lifted them up just the eleven places to mid-table, and left their Kent neighbours as one of three sides without a point thus far, the others being Folkestone and Harrow. Eight more sides are yet to win, including both of United's opponents over the long Bank Holiday weekend, Ashford and Tonbridge.
Here are the results. Chelmsford City 4-1 Boreham Wood, AFC Hornchurch 0-2 Billericay Town, Carshalton Athletic 0-0 Ashford Town (Middx), East Thurrock United 2-0 Margate, Harlow Town 2-2 Heybridge Swifts, Hastings United 4-0 Maidstone United, Hendon 2-1 Leyton, Horsham 1-0 Folkestone Invicta, Ramsgate 1-1 Tonbridge Angels, Staines Town 5-1 Harrow Borough, Wealdstone 1-2 AFC Wimbledon.
The First Team may have experienced a day to forget in Essex today, but at the Pilot Field, the Reserves turned in a fine performance to kick off their County League campaign with a win for new manager John Lambert. Newly promoted Crawley Down Reserves provided the opposition, and a first half goal from Matt Maclean, with another after the interval from Terry Payne, gave United a comfortable 2-0 victory. The other winners on the opening weekend were Eastbourne Borough, Shoreham, Hassocks and Arundel, with the latter due to host United for their second game of the season next Saturday afternoon.
United's heavy defeat to Billericay this afternoon was indeed the most one-sided result of the day in the Ryman League, although Wealdstone and AFC Hornchurch were both amongst the goals on their travels at Folkestone and Ashford respectively. Title favourites AFC Wimbledon started with a routine win at home to Ramsgate, while much fancied Chelmsford dropped a couple of points at Margate. United's next opponents, Maidstone, slipped to a home defeat against Horsham.
Here are all of today's results. AFC Wimbledon 2-0 Ramsgate, Ashford Town (Middx) 4-5 AFC Hornchurch, Billericay Town 6-0 Hastings United, Boreham Wood 2-2 East Thurrock United, Folkestone Invicta 1-4 Wealdstone, Harrow Borough 1-3 Carshalton Athletic, Heybridge Swifts 0-0 Hendon, Leyton 0-0 Harlow Town, Maidstone United 0-2 Horsham, Margate 1-1 Chelmsford City, Tonbridge Angels 2-2 Staines Town.
United take their first tentative steps as a Ryman Premier Division club tomorrow, travelling to Essex to take on Billericay Town, their first visit to New Lodge since they lost 1-0 to Chelmsford City in a Southern Premier fixture in April 2003. United also have few happy memories of their last meeting with Billericay, in an FA Trophy tie almost seven years ago, which the Blues won in a Pilot Field replay.
The form book will probably require upsetting if United are to emerge successful on opening day, with Nigel Kane's side having endured a troublesome pre-season, and entering the new league campaign without several potentially first choice starters. Dan Williams only returns from his regular summer stint in America on Saturday morning, and will not be considered for selection until he has proved his match fitness, similarly Tim Olorunda and Tom Cusden, both of whom returned to training after injury this week. Russell Eldridge is away on holiday until early next week, and United will be hoping that Ade Olorunda's scheduled return from holiday today met with no delays. Skipper Sean Ray should have shaken off a slight groin strain in time to lead his side out at level three for the first time.
In the build-up to the contest, five more players have signed Ryman and County League forms with the Club, including defender Dave Henham, returning for a third spell at the Pilot Field. Also back for another season are Danny Ellis, John Bradley, Brett Griffin and Lee Jules, while Nigel continues to monitor the progress of Hawkhurst United striker Dan Mitchell, as he searches for an additional forward to complete his squad. Dan scored twice for United in a pre-season trial two years ago, and has since enjoyed a couple of consistent seasons in the East Sussex League, most recently netting a hattrick against United Reserves last weekend. The Reserves begin their County League campaign at home to newly promoted Crawley Down Reserves tomorrow afternoon.
United's Premier Division squad has increased in number once again, with the addition of six further signings, including three newcomers to the Pilot Field. Despite currently being out of action with a knee injury, twenty-three year old right sided full back Tom Cusden has agreed to a switch from County League neighbours Rye United, while former Hollington United central defender Nathan Russell has also agreed terms, the twenty-one year old having really stood out during United's pre-season campaign. Teenage midfield prospect Matt Darby has also signed Ryman League forms, having also spent last season playing East Sussex League football with Peche Hill. Fellow midfielder Nima Cham, defender Danny Spice, and striker Dominic Cruttenden, have all confirmed that they will remain at the Pilot Field for the coming season, adding their names to a now nineteen strong squad. Nathan unfortunately does come with a bit of baggage so to speak, in the guise of a thirty-five day ban that has been held over from last season and will keep him out of action until towards the end of September, although he will be available for the first match of the season at Billericay.
The Reserves finished their pre-season preparations under new manager John Lambert with a win and a defeat over the last few days. Last Thursday, they enjoyed a comfortable 5-2 victory against a Bexhill United XI, with former Westfield and Rye striker Terry Paine scoring twice and other goals coming from Dean Phillips, Philip Match and Billy Trickett. Yesterday, the Reserves lost 4-2 away to a Hawkhurst United XI in their final friendly encounter, despite looking good and leading 2-0 at one stage, the home side fighting back in the second half and winning the contest with two goals in the closing few minutes.
In addition to the First Team squad, all of whom will be eligible to represent the Reserves as well, John has signed the following players on County League forms, several of whom will also feature in United's Youth Team over the coming season. Sam Hesmer, Matt Maclean, Dean Phillips, Ben Radley, Milton Miltiadou, Paul Nessling, Matt Darby, Gregg Berry, Matt Cornelius, Chris Chaloner, Jack Franklin, Terry Payne and Billy Trickett.
Immediately prior to United's 1-1 pre-season draw at Horsham YMCA on Saturday, United Reserves were in action against the same opponents at Gorings Mead, and duly collected their first victory of their own friendly campaign, with a 2-1 success against their erstwhile County League rivals. John Lambert's youthful side took a two goal lead before the interval, with Jack Franklin and Kevin Bird on target, and withstood a second half fightback from the hosts to pick up an encouraging result. The Reserves conclude their pre-season programme with two games at the end of this week, welcoming Bexhill United to the Pilot Field on Thursday evening, and visiting Hawkhurst United on Saturday afternoon.
The First Team squad has been enhanced by the capture of two further signatures on Ryman League forms in the last few days. Left sided midfielder Russell Eldridge has committed his future to United for another season, after impressing in a wing back role in United's first three friendly encounters. And goalkeeper Jani Seitsonen has also agreed terms with United and he will be understudy to the contracted Lee Worgan this season. Jani hails from Finland, but has lived in the UK for several years, gaining plenty of Southern League experience with Erith & Belvedere, while more recently appearing for Ashford Town. Further signings are expected to be confirmed later in the week, with the new Ryman League season now less than two weeks away.
With that in mind, any supporters wishing to travel on the team coach to Billericay Town for the opening match of the campaign on 18 August are invited to book their seats as soon as possible. The coach will leave the Pilot Field at 11.00am and the cost will be £12 for adult Supporters' Club members and £15 for adult non-members, £7 for under 18 Supporters' Club members and £10 for under 18 non-members. Please visit the Club Shop during Tuesday evening's friendly against Burgess Hill, or contact the Club on 01424 444635 to add your name to the list. And please note that, while there is no need to pay for your seat in advance, failure to turn up after reserving a place may jeopardise any plans you might have for travelling on the team coach in the future.
United skipper Sean Ray has finally put supporters out of their misery by signing Ryman League forms and pledging his future to the Club for the start of another season. Sean met with manager Nigel Kane ahead of this evening's friendly encounter against Brighton & Hove Albion, although he wasn't considered for selection having not yet trained with United this pre-season, and also having only recently returned from holiday. Talks are still ongoing over the one year contract that has been offered to the Club's inspirational captain, but the news that some sort of deal has been struck will doubtless be met with universal relief.
Although Sean's apparent lack of training may not have been sufficiently addressed in time, there must be a strong chance that the skipper will return for Thursday evening's pre-season visit to Priory Lane, where United take on Blue Square South neighbours Eastbourne Borough. Please note that the scheduled kick off for this match has been altered once again, this time back to 7.45pm.
United Reserves began their pre-season preparations away to a Peacehaven & Telscombe XI last Saturday, where John Lambert's new charges succumbed to a 5-0 defeat, albeit against their hosts' first team. The Reserves are back in action on Thursday, when Erith & Belvedere are due to send a side to the Pilot Field, before the double header at Horsham YMCA on Saturday afternoon. The new County League season gets underway on 18 August, when United will be at home to newly promoted Crawley Down, followed a week later by a trip to Arundel, and a home game against title favourites Eastbourne Borough on Tuesday 28th. In the first round of the Sussex Intermediate Cup, United have been drawn at home to Brighton based side American Express. Rye United Reserves or Hooe Sports will visit the Pilot Field in the second round of the Hastings Intermediate Cup, while United go to Chichester City United in the first round of the Reserve League Cup.
The Club would like to extend its grateful thanks to everyone who joined in the minute's applause this evening, honouring the memory of former United player Steve Smith, who tragically died in a motorcycle accident a month ago. Many thanks also to all those who generously donated to the collection for Steve's family, which raised more than £467.
At half time in this evening's game, the draw was made to determine the identity of United's new associate sponsor for the 2007/08 season. Hastings Borough Council leader Peter Pragnell kindly chose the winning ticket, that of Hastings Heritage, whose details will be added to the site in due course. Many thanks to all those who participated, and also a special word of thanks to Duncan Riordan, who has recently become the Club's second Platinum Business Partner.
Following clarification from Hastings Borough Council about the recent change in no smoking legislation, spectators will no longer be permitted to smoke in the following areas of the Pilot Field; the main stand, the Elphinstone Road End stand, the turnstile blocks, the toilets, the bar, the function room, and the Club shop. Supporters will be able to smoke in any area of the ground not covered by a roof, but also in the Cole Warren Stand, which is not considered to be enclosed on at least three sides. The Club would greatly appreciate the co-operation of all supporters in enforcing these new rules.
Finally for this update, the Club has been featured in the August edition of the Hastings Handbook, the town's free community magazine, copies of which are available from the library and the information centre, amongst other places. There is also an online version, which can be accessed by the following link; www.hastingshandbook.co.uk, while the article on United can be found in the Features section.
United manager Nigel Kane has confirmed that another of last season's First Team squad has agreed terms for the forthcoming campaign. Former Club captain Jimmy Elford has signed Ryman League forms for another year at the Pilot Field and will once again be United's senior statesman, having now made more than 200 appearances in two spells with the Club.
After making the left back position his own last year, Jimmy is also currently adding another string to his bow by assisting Nigel with pre-season coaching duties, while the search continues for a full time replacement for Gareth Sefton. Nigel has received several applications for the post and intends to hold interviews in due course in order to ensure he selects the right man for the job.
The draw has been made for the opening two rounds of the Sussex Senior Cup, with United exempt from the first round as usual, and facing an away tie in the second. They will meet the winners of the tie between Wealden and Chichester City United on a date yet to be arranged of course, but most likely to played in November, when United have no scheduled midweek matches at present. Wealden finished just below Westfield in fourth place in County League Division Two last season, and Chichester finished eleventh in Division One.
Chairman Dave Walters has announced that the draw to select United's associate sponsor for the 2007/08 season will be made in the half time interval during the pre-season friendly against Brighton & Hove Albion on Tuesday 31 July.
Please note that the friendly fixture away to Eastbourne Borough on Thursday 2 August will kick off at 7.30pm. And arrangements have been agreed for the double header away to Horsham YMCA on Saturday 4 August. The Reserve fixture will commence at 1.30pm, with the First Team game to follow at 3.30pm.
Less than a week into the pre-season training programme, manager Nigel Kane has confirmed that Scott Kirkwood has agreed terms with United, to become the Club's first new signing of the summer.
Scott scored sixteen goals from a midfield position for Horsham YMCA last season, finishing as leading scorer in the West Sussex side's first season in the Ryman League. He started his career as a youth with Brighton & Hove Albion, and has also played for Crawley Town and Bognor Regis Town.
The Ryman League published its full 2007/08 fixture list this morning and United could scarcely have been awarded a tougher start to the new campaign. Nigel Kane must take his Premier Division novices to New Lodge on opening day, Saturday 18 August, to tackle a Billericay Town side that was only denied promotion last season, when Bromley beat them on penalties in the play-off final, at the same time as United were celebrating their own success at Imperial Fields.
United's first home fixture is three days later, a repeat of their opening day fixture from last year, when Division One South champions Maidstone United visit the Pilot Field, followed by a first ever meeting with Ashford Town (Middx) a few days later. August Bank Holiday Monday takes United on the short journey up the A21 to take on Tonbridge Angels, with the return match scheduled for the final Saturday of 2007. Folkestone Invicta will provide the opposition on Boxing Day and Easter Monday, with the later contest at the Pilot Field. The regular season ends on Saturday 26 April with a first ever visit to Leyton in a competitive fixture, United having visited East London for a pre-season friendly ahead of the 2006/07 campaign.
The Reserves have added a further three friendly matches to their pre-season schedule. Kent League side Erith & Belvedere will send a side to the Pilot Field on Thursday 2 August, as will Bexhill United a week later, while United visit East Sussex League side Hawkhurst United on Saturday 11 August. The Reserves have been drawn away to Chichester City United Reserves in the first round of the League Cup, on a date still to be confirmed. The first set of fixtures for the new County League campaign should be published during the week commencing 23 July, following the draw for the early rounds of the Sussex Senior Cup.
Having mistakenly leaked the draws for the opening rounds of the FA Cup, Trophy, Vase and Youth Cup toward the end of last week, details were finally published in full this morning.
In the FA Cup, in which United are exempt until the first qualifying round stage this season, fellow Ryman Premier Division side Ramsgate will visit the Pilot Field on 15 September. The Kent club were promoted as Division One champions at the end of the 2005/06 campaign and finished in a highly creditable ninth place last season.
United are also exempt until the first qualifying round of the FA Trophy this season, and have been drawn away to Ryman Division One North newcomers Edgware Town, who ran away with the 2006/07 Spartans South Midlands Premier Division title. The tie is scheduled for 20 October.
The draw for the preliminary round of the FA Youth Cup handed United a home tie against Dover Athletic Youth, on a date still to be arranged.
Manager Nigel Kane has today confirmed that goalkeeper Lee Worgan has agreed terms on a new one year contract at the Pilot Field. The former Welsh Under 21 International proved to be an inspirational signing when he joined United last October and won a landslide victory in the Supporters' Club Player of the Year vote, a fitting tribute for some magnificent displays to help the Club win promotion to the Premier Division.
The Club is busily looking for a new First Team coach at present, after Gareth Sefton advised that he was departing the scene after a brief, but successful stint, having only taken over from Ryan Light last November. Nigel hopes to have appointed a replacement by the time pre-season training gets underway at William Parker School on Tuesday 10 July. The Club would like to thank Gareth for all that he did in his short stay and to wish him all the best for the future.
After lengthy negotiations, United have finally been able to confirm a date for the eagerly anticipated pre-season Pilot Field contest against a Brighton & Hove Albion XI, which will take place on Tuesday 31 July. At this stage, it is not known how strong a line-up Albion will name for the clash, as they are also due to be in action the following evening, away to Blue Square Premier Division side Woking. The Seagulls are sure to provide United with a stern test in any event though, just as they did two years, when a youthful Albion outfit, including current United midfielder Lee Carey, cantered to a 5-0 win.
The visit to Priory Lane to take on an Eastbourne Borough XI, originally scheduled for 31 July, has now been put back forty-eight hours to Thursday 2 August, which has in turn forced the cancellation of the scheduled home match against an Erith & Belvedere XI. United Reserves' home fixture against a Bexhill United XI, also scheduled for 31 July, has had to be postponed.
On the player front, Kevin Rose and Rhys Whyborne have become the latest of last season's First Team squad to agree to sign Ryman League forms with United for the coming campaign. Manager Nigel Kane is hoping to meet up with goalkeeper Lee Worgan this evening (Wednesday), and to obtain his signature on a one year contract, while skipper Sean Ray is still thought to be considering a similar offer. Thamesmead Town striker Rikki Cable, who had previously indicated that he would be joining United for pre-season training, appears to have agreed terms with newly placed Division One North side Dartford instead, but Horsham YMCA midfielder Scott Kirkwood is presently considering an offer to move to the Pilot Field, to which he should respond within the next couple of weeks. Rye United defender/midfielder Tom Cusden, Ashford Town defender Marc Cumberbatch, and former Ashford and Erith & Belvedere goalkeeper Jani Seitsonen have all expressed an interest in attending pre-season training.
Off the field, there have been a couple of backroom changes confirmed this month. Lorraine Western has switched from Rye United to be appointed United's new Sports Injury Therapist, taking over from Carl Milton, who was forced to step down due to new work and personal commitments. And United Reserves will be under new management when the 2007/08 season kicks off, following Paul Greenaway's decision to vacate the role. Former Hastings Town defender John Lambert, more recently manager of Westfield Reserves, has taken on the responsibility of leading United in their second Sussex County League campaign, during which they will come up against Eastbourne Borough Reserves and Worthing Reserves, amongst others. The Club would like to offer a massive vote of thanks to Carl and Paul for what they have done for United during their time at the Pilot Field and wish both every success in the future.
At the Ryman League Dinner and Presentation evening on Saturday 16 June, United picked up the Division One South Team Performance of the Season Award. Nigel collected the award on behalf of the management and team during the event, held at The Copthorne Hotel in Effingham Park. The award recognised the team's achievement in turning their season around, moving from the bottom of the table to a play-off spot and ultimately securing a place in the Premier Division following play-off victories away at Dover Athletic, and then, at Tooting & Mitcham United in the final.
To end this round-up on a very sad note, the Club was devastated to learn of the sudden and untimely death of former player Steve Smith at the age of just thirty-six, after a motorcycle accident on Tuesday morning. Steve was a local lad, who first wore the colours of Hastings Town in the late 1980s, going on to make 255 First Team appearances in total, the last in August 2004, while he also played for Folkestone Invicta, Rye United and for various guises of St Leonards. During his career, he continually proved his versatility by turning out in a variety of defensive and midfield positions, but Hastings supporters may best recall his exploits during the latter part of the 1998/99 season, when his surprise goalscoring prowess, having been pressed into service as an emergency striker, helped to propel United to a fifth place finish in the Southern League Premier Division and earned Steve the Supporters' Club Player of the Year award. Steve leaves a wife and three young children, and everyone at United would like to extend their sincerest condolences to them, and to all of Steve's family and friends, for their tragic loss. Steve's funeral will take place at Blacklands Church in Hastings next Friday, 6 July, at 2.15pm.
Manager Nigel Kane has made his first decisive moves in building for the coming Premier Division campaign, placing strike duo Ade Olorunda and Sam Adams on new one year contracts, and agreeing terms with two other members of last year's playing squad.
Ade's contract is a fitting recognition for some fine displays during United's promotion winning season, culminating in key goals in the play-off victories at Dover Athletic and Tooting & Mitcham United. He finished another injury interrupted season as United's leading scorer with twenty goals, the first United player to achieve that benchmark since Danny Simmonds in the 2000/01 season, and he is seen as having a vital role to play if United are to compete successfully at a higher level. Sam has been under contract at the Pilot Field since November 2005, and has now been offered a one year extension, at the end of another consistent season, in which he contributed fourteen goals. Ade and Sam join midfielder Lee Carey as United's only contracted players at this early stage of negotiations.
Central midfield duo Tim Olorunda and Dan Williams have also each agreed to sign Ryman League forms with United for the coming season, while talks will continue with various other players as and when holidays permit. News of any further re-signings, and details of any new faces likely to be on show, will be provided in due course.