Welcome to the May Bulletin from Hastings United
Team News –
MENS FIRST TEAM
We finished the league season with more points picked up on the road, 3 well deserved-hard earned points against Potters Bar Town before another decent point at Canvey Island. Our away form is what ultimately kept us in the playoff hunt for so long…..and it unfortunately has been our home form which has let us down. Despite equalling the Clubs record league position at Step 3 we still can’t help but feel more than a tinge of disappointment at missing out on the playoffs-we have shown that on our day we are a match for anyone at the level….the challenge for the group is to find our best level more consistently.
Looking ahead we have a great opportunity to put more silverware in the Clubs trophy cabinet….a long overdue place in the Sussex Senior Cup final awaits….which we are thoroughly looking forward to! Despite us having a mass of players cup-tied we still feel very confident that we can put a very competitive Hastings Utd team on the pitch that we believe is more than capable of bringing the trophy back to the Pilot Field!
Finally, and most importantly, I’d like to place on record a huge thank you to our supporters who have followed us home and away all over the south of the country…..win, lose or draw we have felt your unwavering support-you guys truly are the best and we will try our hardest to reward your support with a successful evening at the Amex on the 8th May.
Chris Agutter – COYU’s
WOMENS FIRST TEAM
What a season it’s been! We’ve had some lows, but they’ve made the many highs even sweeter!
The commitment, application and character of this group has been outstanding which has laid the foundations for a very exciting future. We head into the summer in strong form – picking up 15 points from the last 8 games – with a first team squad full of experienced pros, returning players and youngsters who have stepped up impeccably.
The first exciting change ahead of next season has already been made as I take a back seat (my first child is set to arrive any time now) and Jay is promoted from Assistant to Head Coach.
I want to take this chance to thank Ben, James and Bob for their support throughout the season, Jay who has been invaluable since joining alongside me, Neil and Bugsy for their unwavering backing and help, and a huge thank you goes to every player who has worn a Hastings United shirt this season. Every player has contributed to creating an incredible culture which allows me to step back knowing the Women’s First Team is in great hands and I can’t wait to see it grow from strength to strength!
Tom Young – COYU’s
Hastings United Walking Football Team
The Walking football season 23/24 is almost done and United’s teams have competed well in the Southern Combination League.
The 050s Front side – with one game left – look set to finish in second place thanks to the keen steerage of Player/Manager Mick Elliott.
The second team (who play as Hastings Hornets) sadly finished bottom but win awards for their excellent team spirit, generated by Player/Manager Paul Reardon.
The 060s team looks set to win the league – a fabulous result for Player/Manager Russell Small.
The United teams have acquitted themselves well all over the county and in Kent in the various cup competitions. A highlight being a 2-0 away win over mighty Worthing. But none of the teams will progress into the national hat for the next round draws.
Our top goal scorer – with 17 in all competitions- is David Tasker who would easily have passed 20 had it not been for an Achillies injury.
And on the international front, our resident Welshman Mike Pearce retired from the Welsh 060s team while Russ Small went from strength to strength with the England 060s.
He took part and scored goals in several tournaments including the Euros and a recent international tournament in Jersey. Russ captained the side twice and has even managed to turn out for the Arsenal 060s in his spare time.
Club member John Rankin suffered a heart attack six months ago and – three stone lighter – made his debut for the Hornets in their last game of the season just days ago. His recovery and passion to play the beautiful game is an inspiration to us all.
Walking Football Club Chairman Phil Aspinall said: ” It’s been a great year of mixed emotions at the Club. Russell has been a fine ambassador for us, and we are looking forward to next season already.
“We love to win but our emphasis is always on fun, fitness and friendship.”
Any men over 50 can join the club (and we welcome women over 40). We train Weds evenings and Saturday afternoons. Contact club secretary Tony on 07702 306670 for more details.
Tony Harris – Club Secretary
Hastings United Disability & Inclusive Team:
Our Disability and Inclusive Team play in the Sussex FA Disability Championship Football League with most matches held at Lancing although we have had one fixture at the Pilot Field this season. The team are enthusiastic and very competitive and finished the season with 2 wins, 2 draws and 4 losses to finish joint 4th in the League.
James Hopkins – Disability & Inclusive Lead for HUFC
The Club records thanks to all those who have represented the Club during the 2023/2024 season in all our teams and the excellent management and coaching staff that have enabled the players to grow and develop both as individuals and sports people.
My thanks to Chris, Tom, Tony and James for your team news each month and I promise not to chase you for those reports for at least two months, (but might for other items) – Bob H
Hastings United Academy
The Hastings United Academy continues to go from strength to strength and special congratulations to –
Hastings United U/11 Black – Winners of the Rother League Cup
Hastings United U/13 Blue – Winners of the Crowborugh League Cup
and all those who have competed in the League and Cup competitions this season, not forgetting of course the coaching staff and many parents who have helped.
The future prospects for the Club have never been better with the development of young players, boys and girls, who can enjoy a pathway to senior football with several players already making the step up to represent the Club in both the Men’s and Women’s first teams.
Hastings United Tournament 2024
That leaves just one small matter to resolve before we finally close the 23/24 season and that is of course the Sussex Transport Cup Final at the Amex Stadium on Wednesday 8th May. At time of going to press, it looks like we will have approaching 2000 supporters to roar on the U’s so see you all there and have a safe journey. By the way, at the Fan Forum last Monday Agi did tell us not to worry as we are going to win !!
CLUB NEWS
𝗡𝗘𝗪 𝗦𝗛𝗜𝗥𝗧 𝗦𝗣𝗢𝗡𝗦𝗢𝗥
Hastings United and the Kurt J. Lesker Company are delighted to unveil their 3-year shirt sponsorship deal for both the Men’s and Women’s first teams, commencing at the start of the 2024/2025 season.
Triangle Fire Systems will be our back of shirt Sponsor and we are most grateful for their continued support and sponsorship.
The Club is delighted to welcome new Business Partners and Sponsors
Parker Building Supplies, Bexhill Branch and St. Leonards Branch
Sword Fixings Ltd.
Made Estate Agents
A huge thank you to Hayley and James for their excellent work this season within the Business community and the support that has been provided by local companies for all of our teams
We welcome Lorna White to the Commercial team as we continue to increase our links with the Business community. Lorna has previously had experience with Eastbourne Borough and Oxford United and is a very welcome addition to the team
Features / Forthcoming Events
Donations needed for our fundraising stalls – any bottled items, any chocolate items and any items for the tombola – donations can be received at the Pilot Field on any Tournament Day or any Thursday afternoon.
Summer Maintenance
We will shortky be looking at the annual summer maintenace schedule when we need to refresh and repair the ground and amenites for next season. If you feel you might be able to spare some time with painting & decoratiing, repairs and general clearance and cleaning please contact General Manager Ben White at the Club ( ben.white@hastingsunited.com)
Finally
This is the last Bulletin of the season and we will then have a summer break, so it is an appropriate time to say a big thankyou to the Club teams that do not perform on the field of play but ensure that all that is needed to support the Club and Teams that do and the marvellous fans that support them happens week in and week out –
Media Team:– Adam Smith (Press Officer & Media Manager); Paul Hoggard (Programme Editor) Andy Quye (PA & Interviews); Scott White (Club Photographer); Joseph Knight (Videographer); Neo Bridges (TikTok)
Hastings United Radio: – Tom Dyson-Laurie,; Graham Belchamber, Mat Widley and Matthew Butler from The Conquest Hospital Community Radio & Chris Laverick for promotion and his Podcast
Matchday Operational Team:– Steve Brooks (Matchday Operations Manager); Tom Dyson (Matchday Secretary); Dave Russell (Health & Safety Officer); Greg Agathocli (Deputy Health & Safety Officer) Neil Cornwall (Groundsman); Sue Cornelius (Kit Manager)
The Stewards, Gary, Grant, Adam, Martin, Chris and the Students from East Sussex College (Hastings) – Turnstile team; Rob French, Georgina Stephens and Ron Cook
Catering Team: – Jon Emson (Catering Manager); Beccy, Finn, Martine, Karen, Reuben, Demsey, Robert, Jade, Louiza, Karen and Robert
Events and Hospitality Team:– Jo Oldridge (Events Co-Ordinator); Dane Martin (Bar Manager); Caroline, Beth, Shannon; Laura, Kieren, Bethany, Jack and Felicity
Club Shop & Merchandise Team:- Ged Clout (Club Shop Manager); Glyn, Marilyn and Sue
And really finally
The biggest thankyou is to you our Fans who give such magnificent support, week in week out, in all weathers and without whom our great Club would not be what it is today.
The best Away support in the League, the highest average home league attendance for 62 years says it all.From the Owners and Club Management a huge Thank You. Have a great summer and see you all next season
