FA Cup 4th qualifying round. Blackfield and Langley's orbital penalty. Courtesy of Pat McCrossan

The U’s – a plea from the heart

Hastings United FC came under the spotlight at the beginning of the year when it reached the third round of the FA Cup and so much seemed possible – there was everything to play for. Liam Willis writes from the heart in an effort to reach out to the supporters of the past and potential new supporters who have seen Hastings make its mark and want to savour the emotional highs and lows that is the lot of the true football supporter.

Marcus Sawyerr`s stunning free-kick in our 1-1 draw v Wimbledon in 2005. Many went to the Pilot Field to witness history. Courtesy of Windy Gale

The word ‘Relegation’ is often whispered in fear at this time in the season for all football fanatics. What if it was your local club? What if you could give your local club some support to help prevent relegation? Hastings United’s season hangs in the balance; only two teams are to be relegated from the Ryman Premier Division this season, but United aren’t in the clear.

Although not yet in the relegation zone, they are only separated by goal difference. Thurrock and Carshalton Athletic are in the zone, but Thurrock have five games in hand on United, yielding a possible 15 extra points. Carshalton have played three more than United, and the two are locked together on points.

The Pilot Field, home of Hastings United Football Club offers standing, seating and inside viewing of the game at a cheap price. Adults can get in for £10, concessions for £8 and Under 21s are FREE but ID may be required. For home games, United are getting about 350 people along per game, and they need more than this support to urge them out of the relegation zone. Therefore I am personally asking you for your support.

Hastings United 3-2 Brighton and Hove Albion. Pre season 2012/13. Over 1000 packed the Pilot Field on this day. Courtesy of Pat McCrossan

The Pilot Field holds 4000 people, as we found out when the maximum capacity was reached against Harrogate Town in the FA Cup 2nd Round Replay. Along with a large viewing area, the Pilot Field also has a bar, a clubhouse, the best food in non league(!), a youth tea bar and three stands! All of the work that goes on behind the scenes is really well done. Simon Rudkins, our groundsman goes to the Pilot Field everyday, as well as being self-employed full time.

Liam Willis outside the Riverside Stadium prior to the FA Cup Third Round tie against Middlesbrough

I have been a regular at the Pilot Field for about 5 and a half years, also going to my fair share of away games. Hastings United have given me some of the best times that I can remember, and they can do this for you too. If you have a couple of hours on a Saturday afternoon and sometimes on a Tuesday evening, please come over to the Pilot Field on Elphinstone Road and get behind your local team. We took 1068 to Middlesbrough, and that is over three times how many we get at a home game, let alone a game 350 miles away.

If you have the spare time, please come over. A personal message from me to you: We, Hastings United, need your support. We need the support of your friends. We need the support of everyone in the town. We, Hastings United wouldn’t be a tea, without our supporters. Remember, you have to be in it to win it.

With the loss of Matt Whitehead, Mikel Suarez and Scott Manning, United’s relegation trouble hangs in the balance. Matt Whitehead has been released due to a club disagreement, Suarez bas been recalled to Tonbridge after scoring 3 in 5 games for the U’s,and Scott Manning has agreed a deal to return to his former club Lewes.

A goal by Lee Carey at Hendon a couple of years ago. A great moment. Courtesy of Pat McCrossan

After the departure of Whitehead and Manning, United’s defensive options are  running thin, and with player/ manager Sean Ray starting a four match ban next week for a sending off against Peacehaven (which is under appeal) the U’s have ever fewer options.

If anyone has any questions or queries, please do comment below this article and I will get back to you. You are also able to contact me via my Twitter – @MrLiamWillis (please note my Twitter are my own views and not those of my employers). For other information you can visit the club website – or follow their Twitter – @Hastingsufc. Thank you.

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