United’s Maggs and  Cant are sacked!

After a recent run of poor results, United manager John Maggs was relieved of his duties at the Pilot Field, along with first team coach, Cliff Cant. The decision was made early on Sunday morning after a recent run of poor results, lack of signings and defeat to promotion rivals Leatherhead on the previous day, writes HOT’s Liam Willis.

United, who only registered one League win this calendar year, 1-0 at home to Herne Bay, have seen their status drop slightly in the table; they are now in fourth place, eleven points behind leaders Peacehaven & Telescombe, who play tonight (Tuesday). At the beginning of this current season, Maggs stated that: “If we don’t get promotion, I consider that as a failure.”  Speculation about a resignation at the end of the season had already arisen.

Maggs took over at the Pilot Field in late August, just three weeks after the resignation of Sean Ray. During the three week spell, United were taken over by Terry White and Mark Stapley. Since Maggs’ departure, White has been appointed first team manager of Hastings United.

United host Faversham Town at the Pilot Field on Saturday, this team being one of the sides to have already defeated United in the league this season, with a 2-0 win earlier in the season. On Monday night, a rescheduled match against Walton & Hersham will be played, but supporters are able to pay what they want. The match will be a fundraiser for St Michael’s Hospice, and there are hopes to generate a big crowd for a worthy local charity.

Liam Willis is also Hastings United Programme Co-Editor