Hastings United FC

Pilot Field Round Up.

When the football season finishes, all football fanatics are speculating on who their club will have and won’t have for the upcoming season. HOT’s Liam Willis investigates the ins and outs and the recent news of the Pilot Field, home of Hastings United.

Sean Ray, Hastings United Football Club Player/Manager

Contract negotiations always create speculation – rumours circulate around the town about any big signings and the renewal of contracts. No club can sign people until July, leaving time for a heady brew. Three United players have confirmed that their imminent future remains at the Pilot Field to support Sean Ray’s strategy for an instant return to the Ryman Premier League. Sam Adams, Ben Judge and Danny Ellis have confirmed that they will be wearing the claret and blue jersey next season, unlike Jack Dixon and potentially Jamie Crellin – who may be moving on.

The departure of the 1st team coach, Hugo Langton, has been confirmed and Ray is looking for a replacement. United player/manager Sean Ray has also approached ex-United goalkeeper Lee Worgan after he was released by Tonbridge Angels. An offer to come back between the sticks at the Pilot Field was nearly in place but Worgan told Ray that his future lies elsewhere.

Last season’s main club sponsor was Green Insurance and United are happy to confirm that Green Insurance have renewed their contract with United and will be the main club sponsor for the 2013/2014 season. The clubhouse bar has been run by Marie O’Mara for a few years and after the 2012/2013 season, Marie felt it was time to hang up her apron ; as of the new season, it will be run by Aimee Freeman. Simon Rudkins, director and groundsman,  has relinquished one of his many roles at the Pilot Field –  he has too little time to write next season’s programmes after becoming self-employed – the programmes will now be written by Daniel Willett and Liam Willis.

United are launching a football academy in September,  which will be run in partnership with Sussex Coast College and Essential Sports Training. These institutions combine with the aim of giving young and talented players between the ages of 16 and 18 the chance to continue their studies simultaneously with  high level football training.

Hastings United also have a number of confirmed pre-season friendly games to look forward to as listed below:

Westfield XI v Hastings United XI
Saturday, July 13. Kick off 3.00pm

Dover Athletic XI v Hastings United XI
Tuesday, July 16. Kick off 7.45pm

Hastings United XI v Thamesmead Town XI
Saturday, July 20. Kick off 3.00pm

Hastings United XI v Eastbourne Borough XI
Tuesday, July 23. Kick off 7.45pm

Hastings United XI v Gillingham XI
Saturday, July 27. Kick off 3.00pm

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