Hastings United manager Chris Agutter has signed a new two-year deal to keep him at The Pilot Field.
It means he will remain as boss at least to the end of the 2022-23 season as the club continue their bid to climb the non-league pyramid.
Agutter, 33, became first team manager in September 2017. After finishing ninth in 2018 and third in 2019, Hastings have topped the table in each of the past two halted seasons, losing just two league games in those two campaigns. Their efforts in 19-20 were declared null and void and they are waiting to see what happens to the current campaign.
Agutter said: “I am really pleased to have the opportunity to continue working hard for Hastings United over the next two seasons.
“The success we’ve achieved to date could not have been done without Andrew Brown, Peter Heritage and the rest of the staff, who I hope will remain by my side as we continue this journey.
“The lads make the experience so enjoyable and worthwhile.
“The challenge moving forward is to improve on what we have done.
“We have to continue to produce and promote more academy players, and most importantly win even more games of football.
“The team is only as good as the environment and support that we are given.”
CEO Billy Wood said: “I am absolutely delighted Chris has extended his deal with the Us. When I joined the club it was apparent Chris and I shared the same ambitious attitude, which has allowed a transparent and determined relationship with the goal of delivering success for Hastings United on and off the pitch.
“Shaping the culture of the football club means working with people who have that shared goal. Chris is passionate about that and together with the staff, players, volunteers and supporters ,we carry out our task to keep growing this club, making our town proud.