New manager for United
Hastings United have announced that John Maggshas been appointed manager of the first team, three weeks after player/manager Sean Ray resigned from the role just hours before the season kicked off, writes HOT’s Liam Willis.
John Maggs needs no introduction to non-league football and no introduction to this Sussex Club. Mr Maggs won the Football Association Medal in March of this year after being recognised for his huge footballing career which has spanned fifty years as a player and a manager.
During Maggs’ playing careers, he joined Crawley Town in 1963 and made over 700 appearances for the club, a record that is still unbeaten. Maggs became manager of The Reds seven years after his retirement from his playing career. He spent 13 seasons as manager, even combining his duties with the Club Chairman towards the end.
John Maggs then moved to Horsham after 37 years at Crawley Town – Maggs spent the next eleven seasons at Horsham, where he lead them to two promotions and to the FA Cup Second Round in 2007. Financial issues arose which caused Horsham’s ground to be sold and Maggs’ departure.
Maggs then spent two years at Crawley Down and was then appointed General Manager for Tonbridge Angels.
The new chapter of Maggs’ life and career will begin at home for United as they play Ramsgate in the league tomorrow. Maggs’ second game will also be at home to Ramsgate as United have their first FA Cup game of the season in the preliminary round.
United sits second in the table after taking a point from Burgess Hill on Tuesday and coming from behind at Hythe yesterday (Saturday 24 August) thanks to two goals from striker, Kenny Pogue.
United’s bank holiday game starts tomorrow at 3pm against Ramsgate,
On behalf of myself and the team on the Hastings Online Times, join us in wishing Maggs’ the best of luck as manager of Hastings United.
Mr. Liam P Willis is also Hastings United Programme Co-Editor
If you’re enjoying HOT and would like us to continue providing fair and balanced reporting on local matters please consider making a donation. Click here to open our PayPal donation link. Thank you for your continued support!
Also in: Sport
« A Game of Two HalvesUnited Reunite »