Welcome to the December Bulletin from Hastings United FC
TEAM NEWS
MENS FIRST TEAM
We started off with a really positive result and performance against Whitehawk. We then followed this up with a narrow defeat at Wingate before seeing off Deal Town in the cup. We then followed this up with another narrow defeat against Cray Valley. As with the Wingate game, we were competitive and remained in the game until the end.
Going to Bognor in the Sussex Cup was next and after starting really well and looking the better team, we then had to play 60mins with 10 men after Toms red card. Two clear penalties turned down and a late goal conceded meant the boys again left empty handed for their efforts.
I don’t want or need to talk about the Saturday fixture at Hendon as everything that could be said has been. We needed to move on quickly and get back to basics.
We then done this against Carshalton when we took a deserved share of the spoils. In another day, with the chances we created, we could have won this game. I was pleased with the attitude and response of the players, but this must now be carried through to the end of the season.
On the player front, we have been struggling with injuries and have had players playing through the pain barrier. Not having breaks midweek is becoming an issue but we are now starting to nurse players back to full fitness and have also added to our ranks.
Firstly, Matt Kerbey has joined us on loan from Sutton in goal. Louis has been struggling for a number of weeks and now needs time to look after himself and get back to full fitness.
Will Harley has also joined us from Eastbourne Borough and you all saw the positive impact he had on Tuesday night. Will gives us a different option and allows us to play a different way as well. Once he gets a few more games in, I’ve no doubt he will score regularly for us. With a lot of fixtures coming up over the Xmas period, the whole squad will be used and pushed to the limits, having them all fit for this period is a priority for us right now.
Onwards and Upwards – Sean Ray & Bobbi-Jay Deegan
3rd December home to Cray Valley (Velocity Cup) 7th December away to Chichester City
10th December away to Horsham 14th December away to Billericay Town
21st December home to Bowers & Pitsea 26th December home to Dover Athletic
28th December away to Bognor Regis Town
WOMENS FIRST TEAM
3 games this month, all very close affairs. We travelled to Montpellier and came away with a point and felt disappointed not to come away with more. Chances missed and seemed to be the story for us this season so far, some brilliant defensive displays and build up play creating chances. Just struggling to put the ball in the back of the net. 0-0 that finished and a point on the road.
Welling away who are doing really well this season and tactically again got complimented but just couldn’t find the goal after 2 or 3 really good chances but this time we got punished with a goal from former U, Amelia Bate and lost 1-0.
We then had Newhaven, a team in the league above. I felt we dominated the ball and created really good chances and this time we got a goal! Rebecca Relf with the finish and managed to take the cup tie to penalties and debatable should have won in the 90 minutes. However lost 3-2 on penalties after a really good display! Three Bridges got postponed which is a 6 point game for us.
We have been looking a lot more solid and working for the badge which is great to see and is all I ask for!
Update on Tiana Tapp is she is having medical appointments to sort out her medical diagnosis which is hopefully a positive one but she is all well and on the mend.
Thank you for your continued support and please come down and support our 3 back to back home games before Christmas. – Jason Tibble
8th December home to Aylesford 15th December home to Bognor Regis Town
INCLUSIVE & DISABILITY TEAM
Hastings United Disability and Inclusive fourth and fifth game of the Sussex disability league. Today the team went back up to Lancing, to face East Surrey Hawks and Worthing. Today was a tough day, with the aftermath of Storm Bert we weren’t too sure whether it’ll go ahead but we were pleased to hear the games did indeed go ahead. It’s the first time the team played football in such strong winds which caused havoc with the football. Unfortunately, it wasn’t to be our day as no matter how hard we fought and battled to keep possession and maintain control of the ball with the wind as well, we just couldn’t find the back of the net. We lost both games with a 3 0 defeat and then a 5 0 defeat. As a coach I’d rather see the team work their socks off, battle for every possession and show football teamwork and work ethic. So even with those defeats the team did exactly as I asked. I couldn’t ask for anything else. Their work ethic was 100% through and through. Right to the very last whistle of both games, they worked hard. Unfortunately, it just wasn’t meant to be today. After each win and loss I always say we look towards our training sessions and work on different things and always improve. We now have a big gap before our next games which are due in February. So between then and now we are looking to get some friendlies in so the team can continue what they love the most, FOOTBALL.
WALKING FOOTBALL
Next Report from Tony Harris will be in the January Bulletin
CLUB NEWS
Club Comment – An incident occurred recently at our home game against Deal Town when one of our young supporters was singled out for abusive behaviour by a few young people who felt it acceptable to ridicule and belittle him. The young supporter in question is not only a loyal supporter of the Club but also represents the Club as a member of the Club’s Inclusive & Disability Team in the Sussex Disability League. He is proud to wear the Club colours, and the Club is proud of him.
The Club wishes to make it clear that the behaviour shown recently is totally unacceptable and will not be tolerated. If the individuals responsible for such behaviour are identified to the Club, they will be banned for the remainder of the current season. It is hoped that such suspension will provide those involved with an opportunity to reflect upon their behaviour and actions and enable them to become better persons in the future.
Hastings United strongly condemns all forms of discriminatory behaviour and reaffirms that such actions have no place in a modern, inclusive society. We are committed to fostering an environment of respect and equality, ensuring that every individual feels welcome and valued within our club. Discrimination of any kind is unequivocally unacceptable and will not be tolerated at Hastings United.
The Club also acknowledges the support expressed on Facebook and other social media platforms for our young supporter/player which clearly demonstrates that our fantastic fans are fully committed to ensuring our football family is totally inclusive.
FAMILY ROOM / FIRST AID STATION
The former Club merchandise shop, next to the Burger bar, is currently being refurbished and will in the New Year be available as a Family Room for baby changing and will be equipped with changing table and mat and accessories and provide a facility for baby feeding. The Room will also be the First Aid Station.
Don’t miss this exciting opportunity to participate in this Xmas Community Camp
MEET THE NEW CO-OWNERS OF HASTINGS UNITED
Dean White, Chairman of Hastings United FC welcomes the Directors of Torch Sports to the Pilot Field
SC: Solomon Curtis, HL: Hilary Lissenden, DL: Danny Levart
1. Can you share a bit about your background and what led you to join Hastings United FC?
SC: Growing up in Hastings, I’ve always felt a strong connection to the town. My first football match was right here, watching this club, and I remember the passion that’s still vibrant today. In 2018, I worked on London’s sports strategy with Mayor Sadiq Khan, collaborating with top sporting bodies such as the NFL, NBA and Premier League to maximize social and economic impact. Now, I have the chance to bring that experience back to my hometown and make a difference at Hastings United.
HL: Hastings United was an obvious choice for us. It’s a historic club with so much potential for growth. My background includes developing sports programmes across England, especially through my roles in boxing as a former director of England Boxing and at a London-based community gym. I’m thrilled to take on a new challenge in football and work with such a passionate club and community.
DL: Since moving to Hastings a few years ago, I’ve come to love the town and its people. I’m a lifelong football fan with a deep interest in grassroots football, and my career as a finance director has allowed me to work with some of the world’s leading sports brands. I’m excited to bring my expertise here and contribute to the club’s success.
2. Redeveloping the Pilot Field was a key focus of the announcement. Can you tell us what fans should expect?
HL: We’re developing an investment strategy with our co-owners and the club to approach the Pilot Field redevelopment in phases. Our
priority is to establish strong partnerships with funders, investors, and the community to ensure the project is sustainable and meets everyone’s needs.
DL: We’re working with architects on proposals, and keeping the club at the Pilot Field feels right because of its history and the opportunity it presents. Our goal is to provide facilities that allow our teams to reach their potential and bring pride to our supporters.
SC: Fans should expect a well-thought-out plan focused on the club’s long-term success, not just short-term gains. We’re ambitious but mindful of creating a sustainable future. After discussions with the local MP and Hastings Borough Council, I’m confident the town is behind us. Any redevelopment isn’t just about the next few years; it’s about setting up the club for the next 25 years.
3. Community involvement is a big part of the club’s identity. What role do you see fans, businesses, and the wider community playing in the club’s future?
DL: Ben White and his team of staff and volunteers have done an amazing job building relationships with the community and local businesses, which is something we want to continue and expand. Our strategy is to grow from our local base and make sure the club benefits the town as much as the town supports the club.
SC: We’re working on an ambitious brand strategy for 2030, with input from fans, businesses, and residents. The potential to elevate Hastings’ profile through football is huge. Hastings is a town with rich history and unique character, and we want to help share that with a wider audience.
HL: We’re committed to enhancing the experience for fans at home fixtures and to building the club’s presence in town and local events. Our young fans are the future, and our long-standing supporters are the club’s heartbeat. We want to strengthen ties across the town, including with Hastings’ vibrant arts, culture, and music scenes.
4. What message do you want to send to the supporters of the club as you begin your journey?
SC/HL/DL: We’re here for the long haul, and we’re committed to growing the club in a way that’s sustainable and beneficial for everyone involved. Aspire have done a remarkable job, and their dedication was a big reason we joined this journey. This season is our chance to engage with fans, test ideas, and start making small but impactful improvements.
We’re not here to interfere with the day-to-day running of the club’s teams, but we’ll be working hard behind the scenes to support them in every way we can. We ask fans and the wider Hastings and St Leonards community to be patient and to join us on this journey.
We’re looking forward to meeting as many of you as possible over the coming weeks, months, and years. If you see us at the Pilot Field, please come and say hello. Come on you Us!
WE ARE DELIGHTED TO ANNOUNCE –
Hastings Dry Gin have become a Business Partner with us for the foreseeable future.
“Hastings 1066 Gin was created by Julian Haswell, it is distilled locally on The Ridge in Hastings and was launched at the Fat Tuesday event in February 2019.
We have since extended our product range to include a Strawberry, Raspberry, Orange and our Smugglers Navy strength 47% ALC”
Thank you to Elaine, Julian and Jane for all your support, it’s very much appreciated.
FEATURES & FORTHCOMING EVENTS
FESTIVE FUN AT HASTINGS UNITED FC
Hastings Means Business:
Christmas Networking Lunch – Friday 13th December 12 noon – 5pm
Join us for our popular quarterly HMB networking Lunch and festive celebrations on Friday 13th December 2024 at Hastings United Sports and Social Club, Elphinstone Road.
Enjoy a traditional served Christmas Dinner whilst networking with other local businesses and sponsors of Hastings United Football Club with the common interest of creating a thriving local business community:
Guest Speaker: Solomon Curtis from Torch Sports
Fancy a Party
And finally –
All at the Club wish our fantastic supporters and amazing sponsors a very happy and peaceful Christmas and a prosperous New Year
COYU’s
On Saturday 30th November, Hastings United Disability and Inclusive team travelled to Priory Lane to play against the Spirit of Eastbourne. The team were in a great mood and were looking ahead to the match, and in the opening few minutes of the game, they showed that, as the side relieved themselves from early Eastbourne pressure, and started to take control of the game, coming close on numerous occasions through Jake, Elijah, Howie and Lewis. The back line was tested a few times in the first time, but nothing that they had to worry about through their composure and through some brilliant saves from Charlie.
The two teams went into the halftime break with no scorers, 0-0, and Hastings felt like they could make the most of their opportunities and grab a goal. However through some nice play, Eastbourne took the lead, with a top corner finish that nobody could get to. Hastings then fought their way back into the game, taking long shots, creating opportunities on both wings, before winning a corner. Elijah stepped up to cross it in, but managed to extraordinarily bend it around and score directly from the corner, scoring one of the best goals ever scored for this team. For the final 15 minutes, both sides gave it their absolute best to grab the winner, winning every tackle they could, and playing excellent through balls. This almost worked for Hastings, as Jake scored late on to win it for Hastings, had it not been for him being very marginally offside.
The match ended 1-1, with every single player putting in a brilliant shift. Gary worked his socks off, starting at CB and going into midfield. Reggie was dribbling the ball everywhere, creating great opportunities for us. Zack and Joe were getting stuck in, doing their best to win the ball and take throw ins. Charlie’s and my joint captaincy showed well through their strong leadership and always encouraged the team to push on. Aaron made sure to attack and defend at RB, and Jake did really well to stick with his man at LB. Elijah completely controlled the middle of the park, and Howie was able to test the keeper from 35 yards out. Keegan did really well to hold up the ball and enable us to move up the park, while Leeroy’s electric pace meant that the defence of Eastbourne was fully stretched. Aiden was a rock with myself at the back, limiting the opportunities that Eastbourne could have and clearing up potential threats. Lewis and Kayden made their debuts from our youth team today, and showed everyone through their hard work and determination that they can challenge to start in our team when they are old enough to. Jack also was very versatile, running all over the pitch to make crucial tackles, interceptions and even went up and had shots of his own.
The Man of the Match went to the goalkeeper, Charlie White, whose brilliant and crucial saves kept us alive in the game many times, and helped us claim the draw.
Hastings United FC are delighted to announce Park Holidays UK as the new sponsors of the Cole Warren Stand for the foreseeable future.
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Park Holidays UK who are an award-winning provider of holiday parks covering England, Scotland and Wales with parks in both country and coastal locations are very much part of our local community with both their head office, employing over 200 people and 4 holiday parks within a stone’s throw of the Pilot Field. Park Holidays offer great value family holidays and short breaks, with a selection of touring and camping too, along with a wide range of static caravan holiday homes and luxury lodges for sale.
Lorna White Commercial Manager for HUFC said “We are very excited to be working with Park Holidays, to gain the support of another new well respected local business employing local people is a real boost and vital to the future of Hastings United Football Club and the vision we have for the future of the club. Thank you to Danny, Brad, Rachel and the team at Park Holidays UK for your support, we really do appreciate it“
Brad May, Chief Marketing Officer at Park Holidays UK, said: ‘We’re thrilled to partner with Hastings United FC and support the local community through this sponsorship of the Cole Warren Stand. As a business rooted in the area, with our head office and holiday parks nearby, it’s fantastic to collaborate with a club that shares our commitment to bringing people together and creating memorable experiences. We look forward to a successful partnership and wish Hastings United every success this season and beyond.’”
More than 50 Family Holiday Parks in the UK – Park Holidays UK
Welcome to the latest edition of our Mens First Team update. Thank you to interim manager Sean Ray
KANE PENN
After coming back into the squad last week, Kane Penn had an unfortunate set back during the warm up and is now 2wks away from returning. Although obviously disappointed with this, it is important to have him back fully fit and ready to help us for the remainder of the season.
SAM CRUTTWELL
Sam continues to improve and is now starting to do more in training. He hasn’t yet started full contact work but we are nearing his return and are hopefully he will be back in the squad in early December.
BILLY VIGAR
Billy has undergone successful surgery and is now recovering at home. We are very pleased his operation went better than expected and although he will be out for around 6 months, we look forward to having him back on his feet and seeing face around again soon. He will work very closely with Bobbi during his recovery to make sure we give him the best support possible.
ADAM LOVATT & KYRON MCKAY
After taking knocks last week and missing our cup fixture against Bognor midweek. I am pleased to report that both Ky and Adam came through Thursday nights session unscathed. They will both be available for selection on Saturday in a massive boost to the squad.
We may be nearing the end of 2024 but we still have some great Hastings United events off the pitch
FIREWORK SPECTACULAR
We look forward to welcoming you to our ever popular Family Firework event at the Pilot Field
A few things to reminder prior to attending to ensure a safe and enjoyable evening is had by all.
Friday 22nd November
Gates open at 5.30pm
Fireworks at 8:00pm
PARKING
Please be considerate of residents driveways when parking your car. There will be no parking available inside the ground or the Hastings United sports and social club.
SPARKLERS AND BANGERS
These will NOT be permitted into the ground. Please be respectful to the stewards who are there for your safety
FOOD
There will be two food outlets for your convenience.
DRINKS
The Bar will be open and all drinks will be served in plastics for the safety of all those attending.
FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT
Join Wriggles and Giggles in the Pilot Bar for a Childrens Disco & games
CAKES AND BROWNIES
These delicious bakes will be available inside the ground.
FLASHING LIGHTS AND SABRES
These will be available to purchase inside and outside of the ground.
And we look forward to welcoming Raven Drummers
Most of all we wish you all an enjoyable and safe evening
TAP HERE FOR FIREWORK SPECTACULAR TICKETS
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LADIES NIGHT
OUR FIRST EVER LADIES NIGHT
Saturday 30th November
7pm till late
Join us for a night of fun & frolicks at Hastings United Sports & Social Club!
Be entertained by our Drag extraordinaire as we welcome you to our ‘Magic Mike’ style show
£10 includes free glass of bubbly on entry
GRAB YOUR LADIES NIGHT TICKETS HERE
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CHRISTMAS PARTY
Join Hastings United FC Academy for our Christmas Party. Festive Disco & Party Games
PLUS meet Santa & his Elves in his Grotto.
On Friday 13th December
From 5pm until 9pm
The Hastings United Pilot Bar
Pay Bar Facilities and Parking Available
Free admission for adults!! Children £3.00
T & Cs All under 18’s must be accompanied by an adult and HUFC Academy reserve the right to refuse admission for any under 18’s that are unaccompanied by an adult
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NEW YEARS EVE PARTY
We are proud to announce that we will be hosting our ever popular Family NYE event!
This year it will feature a
Free buffet
Free Disco
Free glass of Bubbly at Midnight
Free Parking
And wait for it …….. Kids under 5 go FREE
ADMISSION PRICES
ADULTS: £15.00
UNDER 16: £5.00
UNDER 5’s: FREE
TICKETS – SEE THE NEW YEAR IN WITH US
Mon 18th Nov
7:45pm Kick Off
Whitehawk U18
Isthmian League Youth League
The Pilot Field, TN34 2AX
Adult / Concession £3,
U16 / Season Ticket Holders FREE
The Club is delighted to announce that Hastings Dry Gin have become a Business Partner with us for the foreseeable future.
“Hastings 1066 Gin was created by Julian Haswell, it is distilled locally on The Ridge in Hastings and was launched at the Fat Tuesday event in February 2019. We have since extended our product range to include a Strawberry, Raspberry, Orange and our Smugglers Navy strength 47% ALC”
Thank you to Elaine, Julian and Jane for all your support, it’s very much appreciated.
We caught up with Sean Ray ahead of this weekend league match to get some player updates
TYRONE MLOTSHWA
Tyrone has been an absolute bonus for us this season. At such a young age of 16, he has broken into the first team and already started to establish himself as a key member of our squad. His maturity belies his age and he has put in some excellent performances for us.
There are not too many 16yr olds playing at this level which is testament to how highly regarded he is at our club. As a club we are always striving to give our academy the platform needed to go to the next level, after a conversation with AFC Wimbledon last week, they invited Ty into training this week. After his first session, they liked him so much, that they have now offered him a full 8wk trial with them, with a view to earning a permanent move.
Wimbledon also asked if Tyrone would be available to play tomorrow for them and as a club, we have unanimously agreed that this is too good an opportunity for him, for us to say no. Therefore, Tyrone will not be available for selection for tomorrow’s game at Wingate. However, it has been agreed that Tyrone will be available for future fixtures during his trial to enable him to keep playing and learning at a good level for him.
As a club, we wish Tyrone well for his trial period and will support him throughout this process as best we can.
CALLUM BARLOW
After our mid week game vs Whitehawk we received a 7 day letter from them for Callum Barlow.
As you are aware Callum was brought in by our previous manager which makes this situation quite unique and not straightforward. Callum was assured that he would be starting and getting the regular game time he desperately needs, after being mainly a squad player at Bognor since the start of the season.
After an honest and positive chat with Callum, I could not promise him or any other member of our squad the guaranteed minutes that he wants. I feel that would be unfair to make promises I can’t keep. Whilst myself and Bobbi are looking after the team, each player will be picked on merit, and a system will be picked which gives us the best chance of getting positive results with players who deserve to play. At the minute, Dav is our number 1 striker and this won’t change unless form and work ethic are not at expected levels. This will be the same throughout the squad, and no one will be guaranteed their starting place.
As I club, we agreed to allow him to leave early as he didn’t want to be with us on the bench tomorrow and we see no sense in having a player with us, who had his eyes firmly on leaving. I wish Callum all the best for his future and thank him for his efforts during his short time with us.
HASTINGS UNITED FC ACADEMY CHRISTMAS PARTY
Join Hastings United FC Academy for our Christmas Party. Festive Disco & Party Games PLUS meet Santa & his Elves in his Grotto.
On Friday 13th December
From 5pm until 9pm
in The Pilot Bar
Pay Bar Facilities and Parking Available
Free admission for adults!! Children £3.00
T & Cs All under 18’s must be accompanied by an adult and HUFC Academy reserve the right to refuse admission for any under 18’s that are unaccompanied by an adult.
Hastings United FC welcomes Torch Sports as new co-owners in strategic partnership
Hastings United Football Club is excited to announce that Torch Sports, a new sports management consultancy, has acquired an initial 18% shareholding in the club. This partnership marks the beginning of a collaborative effort to redevelop the historic Pilot Field and support the club in achieving its long-term growth ambitions.
Led by Hastings native and Torch Sports Director Solomon Curtis, this acquisition includes a commitment to strengthening Hastings United’s brand strategy and expanding our community engagement and outreach. Curtis, joined by Hilary Lissenden, former director of England Boxing, and finance director Danny Levart, brings a wealth of expertise and local knowledge to the project. In the coming years, Torch Sports will work closely with everyone at Hastings United to drive development both on and off the field. Key plans include supporting a proposed phased redevelopment of the Pilot Field, ensuring the ground meets the needs and ambitions of our players, supporters, and the local community for years to come.
Work has already commenced on the plans for the Pilot Field development, with proposals for a new grass pitch as well as an additional full size 3G training pitch and upgraded stadium facilities. Torch Sports is eager to help strengthen the club’s connections with everyone, within the borough of Hastings and St Leonards, as well as inviting local businesses and investors to support our vision for growth. This long-term collaboration is designed to empower our inclusive club and its various teams across the mens, women’s, disability and youth sections whilst continuing its journey of growth and success in a competitive and sustainable manner.
Solomon Curtis shared his excitement about the partnership: “This is a significant milestone for Hastings United FC. As someone with deep roots in the area, I’m personally committed to collaborating with the club to establish a long-term strategy that benefits our loyal supporters and the wider Hastings and St Leonards community.” He further added: “Hastings United is a club with a proud history and a promising future. We look forward to working hand-in-hand with the community to elevate the club while honouring its heritage.”
Dean White, Chairman of Hastings United FC, also commented: ‘’I would like to welcome Solomon, Hilary and Danny to the club as shareholders. The professional expertise they bring both as individuals and as a team will be hugely beneficial to delivering our long term vision at Hastings United’’
Notes to Editors: Press is invited to attend the 5th November 2024 fixture at the Pilot Field for photos and interviews ·
About Hastings United FC: Established in 1893, Hastings United FC is a proud community-focused football club based in Hastings, East Sussex. Known for its passionate fanbase and strong local ties, the club competes in The Isthmian League Premier Division and has a rich history of competitive football.
About Torch Sports: Torch Sports brings together a group of industry thought leaders. Through advising and investing in a portfolio of progressive sports brands, we aim to challenge assumptions in the value of sport. We want to ignite new ways of thinking and doing sport.
Project Timeline: Further details to be shared on redevelopment plans for Pilot Field.
Contact Information: For media inquiries: Adam Smith adam.smith@hastingsunited.com
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