Welcome to the latest edition of our Mens First Team update. Thank you to interim manager Sean Ray
KANE PENN
After coming back into the squad last week, Kane Penn had an unfortunate set back during the warm up and is now 2wks away from returning. Although obviously disappointed with this, it is important to have him back fully fit and ready to help us for the remainder of the season.
SAM CRUTTWELL
Sam continues to improve and is now starting to do more in training. He hasn’t yet started full contact work but we are nearing his return and are hopefully he will be back in the squad in early December.
BILLY VIGAR
Billy has undergone successful surgery and is now recovering at home. We are very pleased his operation went better than expected and although he will be out for around 6 months, we look forward to having him back on his feet and seeing face around again soon. He will work very closely with Bobbi during his recovery to make sure we give him the best support possible.
ADAM LOVATT & KYRON MCKAY
After taking knocks last week and missing our cup fixture against Bognor midweek. I am pleased to report that both Ky and Adam came through Thursday nights session unscathed. They will both be available for selection on Saturday in a massive boost to the squad.
We may be nearing the end of 2024 but we still have some great Hastings United events off the pitch
FIREWORK SPECTACULAR
We look forward to welcoming you to our ever popular Family Firework event at the Pilot Field
A few things to reminder prior to attending to ensure a safe and enjoyable evening is had by all.
Friday 22nd November
Gates open at 5.30pm
Fireworks at 8:00pm
PARKING
Please be considerate of residents driveways when parking your car. There will be no parking available inside the ground or the Hastings United sports and social club.
SPARKLERS AND BANGERS
These will NOT be permitted into the ground. Please be respectful to the stewards who are there for your safety
FOOD
There will be two food outlets for your convenience.
DRINKS
The Bar will be open and all drinks will be served in plastics for the safety of all those attending.
FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT
Join Wriggles and Giggles in the Pilot Bar for a Childrens Disco & games
CAKES AND BROWNIES
These delicious bakes will be available inside the ground.
FLASHING LIGHTS AND SABRES
These will be available to purchase inside and outside of the ground.
And we look forward to welcoming Raven Drummers
Most of all we wish you all an enjoyable and safe evening
TAP HERE FOR FIREWORK SPECTACULAR TICKETS
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LADIES NIGHT
OUR FIRST EVER LADIES NIGHT
Saturday 30th November
7pm till late
Join us for a night of fun & frolicks at Hastings United Sports & Social Club!
Be entertained by our Drag extraordinaire as we welcome you to our ‘Magic Mike’ style show
£10 includes free glass of bubbly on entry
GRAB YOUR LADIES NIGHT TICKETS HERE
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CHRISTMAS PARTY
Join Hastings United FC Academy for our Christmas Party. Festive Disco & Party Games
PLUS meet Santa & his Elves in his Grotto.
On Friday 13th December
From 5pm until 9pm
The Hastings United Pilot Bar
Pay Bar Facilities and Parking Available
Free admission for adults!! Children £3.00
T & Cs All under 18’s must be accompanied by an adult and HUFC Academy reserve the right to refuse admission for any under 18’s that are unaccompanied by an adult
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NEW YEARS EVE PARTY
We are proud to announce that we will be hosting our ever popular Family NYE event!
This year it will feature a
Free buffet
Free Disco
Free glass of Bubbly at Midnight
Free Parking
And wait for it …….. Kids under 5 go FREE
ADMISSION PRICES
ADULTS: £15.00
UNDER 16: £5.00
UNDER 5’s: FREE
TICKETS – SEE THE NEW YEAR IN WITH US
Mon 18th Nov
7:45pm Kick Off
Whitehawk U18
Isthmian League Youth League
The Pilot Field, TN34 2AX
Adult / Concession £3,
U16 / Season Ticket Holders FREE
The Club is delighted to announce that Hastings Dry Gin have become a Business Partner with us for the foreseeable future.
“Hastings 1066 Gin was created by Julian Haswell, it is distilled locally on The Ridge in Hastings and was launched at the Fat Tuesday event in February 2019. We have since extended our product range to include a Strawberry, Raspberry, Orange and our Smugglers Navy strength 47% ALC”
Thank you to Elaine, Julian and Jane for all your support, it’s very much appreciated.
We caught up with Sean Ray ahead of this weekend league match to get some player updates
TYRONE MLOTSHWA
Tyrone has been an absolute bonus for us this season. At such a young age of 16, he has broken into the first team and already started to establish himself as a key member of our squad. His maturity belies his age and he has put in some excellent performances for us.
There are not too many 16yr olds playing at this level which is testament to how highly regarded he is at our club. As a club we are always striving to give our academy the platform needed to go to the next level, after a conversation with AFC Wimbledon last week, they invited Ty into training this week. After his first session, they liked him so much, that they have now offered him a full 8wk trial with them, with a view to earning a permanent move.
Wimbledon also asked if Tyrone would be available to play tomorrow for them and as a club, we have unanimously agreed that this is too good an opportunity for him, for us to say no. Therefore, Tyrone will not be available for selection for tomorrow’s game at Wingate. However, it has been agreed that Tyrone will be available for future fixtures during his trial to enable him to keep playing and learning at a good level for him.
As a club, we wish Tyrone well for his trial period and will support him throughout this process as best we can.
CALLUM BARLOW
After our mid week game vs Whitehawk we received a 7 day letter from them for Callum Barlow.
As you are aware Callum was brought in by our previous manager which makes this situation quite unique and not straightforward. Callum was assured that he would be starting and getting the regular game time he desperately needs, after being mainly a squad player at Bognor since the start of the season.
After an honest and positive chat with Callum, I could not promise him or any other member of our squad the guaranteed minutes that he wants. I feel that would be unfair to make promises I can’t keep. Whilst myself and Bobbi are looking after the team, each player will be picked on merit, and a system will be picked which gives us the best chance of getting positive results with players who deserve to play. At the minute, Dav is our number 1 striker and this won’t change unless form and work ethic are not at expected levels. This will be the same throughout the squad, and no one will be guaranteed their starting place.
As I club, we agreed to allow him to leave early as he didn’t want to be with us on the bench tomorrow and we see no sense in having a player with us, who had his eyes firmly on leaving. I wish Callum all the best for his future and thank him for his efforts during his short time with us.
HASTINGS UNITED FC ACADEMY CHRISTMAS PARTY
Join Hastings United FC Academy for our Christmas Party. Festive Disco & Party Games PLUS meet Santa & his Elves in his Grotto.
On Friday 13th December
From 5pm until 9pm
in The Pilot Bar
Pay Bar Facilities and Parking Available
Free admission for adults!! Children £3.00
T & Cs All under 18’s must be accompanied by an adult and HUFC Academy reserve the right to refuse admission for any under 18’s that are unaccompanied by an adult.
Hastings United FC welcomes Torch Sports as new co-owners in strategic partnership
Hastings United Football Club is excited to announce that Torch Sports, a new sports management consultancy, has acquired an initial 18% shareholding in the club. This partnership marks the beginning of a collaborative effort to redevelop the historic Pilot Field and support the club in achieving its long-term growth ambitions.
Led by Hastings native and Torch Sports Director Solomon Curtis, this acquisition includes a commitment to strengthening Hastings United’s brand strategy and expanding our community engagement and outreach. Curtis, joined by Hilary Lissenden, former director of England Boxing, and finance director Danny Levart, brings a wealth of expertise and local knowledge to the project. In the coming years, Torch Sports will work closely with everyone at Hastings United to drive development both on and off the field. Key plans include supporting a proposed phased redevelopment of the Pilot Field, ensuring the ground meets the needs and ambitions of our players, supporters, and the local community for years to come.
Work has already commenced on the plans for the Pilot Field development, with proposals for a new grass pitch as well as an additional full size 3G training pitch and upgraded stadium facilities. Torch Sports is eager to help strengthen the club’s connections with everyone, within the borough of Hastings and St Leonards, as well as inviting local businesses and investors to support our vision for growth. This long-term collaboration is designed to empower our inclusive club and its various teams across the mens, women’s, disability and youth sections whilst continuing its journey of growth and success in a competitive and sustainable manner.
Solomon Curtis shared his excitement about the partnership: “This is a significant milestone for Hastings United FC. As someone with deep roots in the area, I’m personally committed to collaborating with the club to establish a long-term strategy that benefits our loyal supporters and the wider Hastings and St Leonards community.” He further added: “Hastings United is a club with a proud history and a promising future. We look forward to working hand-in-hand with the community to elevate the club while honouring its heritage.”
Dean White, Chairman of Hastings United FC, also commented: ‘’I would like to welcome Solomon, Hilary and Danny to the club as shareholders. The professional expertise they bring both as individuals and as a team will be hugely beneficial to delivering our long term vision at Hastings United’’
Notes to Editors: Press is invited to attend the 5th November 2024 fixture at the Pilot Field for photos and interviews ·
About Hastings United FC: Established in 1893, Hastings United FC is a proud community-focused football club based in Hastings, East Sussex. Known for its passionate fanbase and strong local ties, the club competes in The Isthmian League Premier Division and has a rich history of competitive football.
About Torch Sports: Torch Sports brings together a group of industry thought leaders. Through advising and investing in a portfolio of progressive sports brands, we aim to challenge assumptions in the value of sport. We want to ignite new ways of thinking and doing sport.
Project Timeline: Further details to be shared on redevelopment plans for Pilot Field.
Contact Information: For media inquiries: Adam Smith adam.smith@hastingsunited.com
Hot off the press we have an update on our Mens First Team squad as we head into November with our eyes firmly on three competitions. This month we have games in the League, the League Cup and the Sussex Senior Cup
Five of our fixtures come at The Pilot Field starting with Whitehawk today
We caught up with Sean Ray who updated us on the following players
JAMAL LUBANGA
I am delighted to report that Jamal is now back at the club following his 4wk loan at Eastbourne Town. Jamal has trained with us this past week and has looked sharp, ready and focused. Being a product of our academy and a local lad, it is important we have players like Jamal around the club. He was someone we know well and can trust when called upon. He also knows us and what the expectations are. He will return to our Matchday squad for the visit of Whitehawk
CALUM POLLITT
Calum is not in our Matchday squad for Whitehawk as he finalises a move to Steyning Town. This will be a dual registration where he will spend the next 4wks at least with them. Calum is someone who has found match time difficult this season but has continued to work at training. It is only right and fair that he is given the opportunity to get match time in order to get match fit and be at his best. We wish Calum well in his time at Steyning.
JOE CLIFFORD
Joe is our under 18 captain and someone we regard very highly at the club. Joe has been around every Matchday squad this season but hasn’t had the game time he needs. To enable him to develop and become the player we hope, Joe needs to be getting match time at adult football. Therefore, Joe will be dual signing with Little Common to enable him these opportunities. Joe will be with us Vs Whitehawk and will return for any fixtures where i feel he will get game time. He will continue to train us during the week as well. Good luck Joe
Keep an eye on our socials for more player updates soon
COYU!
Billy was substituted towards the end of the first half of our league game away at Cray Wanderers after a horrible tackle that on the day went unpunished. We spoke to Sean Ray regarding the full extent of Billy’s injury
As you would have seen, Billy was injured recently in our game away Vs Cray in what was a terrible tackle that went unpunished. It was a tackle at the time, we knew was bad which led me to react the way I did. We have now found out that Billy will miss the rest of this season due to him injuring his LCL. The ligament has come off the bone and requires surgery. Billy has had his surgery booked for November 11th and it will then be a few weeks before he’s up and about again. This is devastating news for us as club as well for Billy himself. Billy is someone we have enjoyed working with and have seen first hand, the potential and ability he has. As a club, we will support him fully through his rehab work and hope that everything goes successfully during surgery Good luck Billy, we hope to see you soon.
Everyone at Hastings United wishes Billy well with his recovery.
Welcome to the October Bulletin from Hastings United FC
TEAM NEWS
MENS FIRST TEAM
Club Statement:
We can confirm that we have mutually agreed to part company with our Men’s First Team Manager Danny Bloor with immediate effect.The club wishes Danny all the best for the future and would like to thank him for all of his hard work and dedication since being appointed as manager in the close season. Sean Ray and Bobbi Deegan will take temporary charge of First Team affairs until further notice.
Razor and Bobbi have confirmed that the lads have trained 3 times in the last week in preparation for the Whitehawk game on Tuesday and we know all you fantastic fans will be fully behind them for this local derby.
5th November HOME to Whitehawk
9th November away to Wingate & Finchley
12th November HOME to Deal Town Velocity Cup
16th November HOME to Cray Valley (PM)
19th November away to Bognor Regis Sussex Transport Senior Cup
23rd November away to Hendon
26th November HOME to Carshalton Ath.
30th November HOME to Dartford
WOMENS FIRST TEAM
Jason Tibble
October has been a tough one for the Women, 2 loses and an abandoned game due to our own Tiana Tapp requiring medical assistance. Thankful T is okay and on the mend, she will be having a break away until her health is back to where it should be. 4-0 loss to Steyning, with a very good penalty save by Sharna Greenaway, we hit the post, some really good chances but unfortunately no goals. 2-1 loss to Three Bridges was bitterly disappointing but we showed good character in our half against Aylesford on Sunday, creating numerous chances again. Off the pitch we are working hard to put things right, we have been playing some excellent football, build up play and a team ethic to do well, just struggling at the top end of the pitch, which ultimately wins you games. November we are looking to turn the ship around, hopefully all the good work off the pitch we can finally see the results on it! We appreciate all support and still looking for sponsors so please get in touch!
3rd November away to Montpelier Villa 2pm
10th November away to Welling United 2pm
17th November home to Newhaven 2pm – Sussex Women’s Challenge Cup
24th November away to Three Bridges 2pm
UNDER 18’S
Hastings United U18 4-1 Eastbourne Borough U18 Hastings beat league leaders Eastbourne Borough 4-1
Goals from Seb Kane ⚽️⚽️ Charlie Scarles ⚽️ Archie Baker ⚽️
⭐️ Man of the Match – Charlie Scarles
Tap the image for Highlights
We caught up with Under 18’s Assistant Manager Tom Chalmers to see how his injury is and what his new role at Hastings United is like – TAP TO READ
INCLUSIVE & DISABILITY
Lewis Willard – Coach
Hastings United Disability and Inclusive team made their way up to Lancing in October to begin their 2024/2025 season in the Sussex FA Disability League. They had three games, Hastings versus Wicks Dynamos, Hastings versus Brighton Green and Hastings versus Crawley Flyers. Wicks Dynamos game was a great start for their season. With a strong defence and midfield presence, Hastings managed to keep possession and work well as a team. Few shots were taken by Wicks which were comfortably saved by our goalkeeper. With fantastic team play, Hastings scored their first goal of the new season by Elijah Smith. Making it a 1 0 victory to Hastings. A solid 3 points for us. The second game was against a tough Brighton team. Their coach Lewis said to go into the game with positive play like they did against Wicks. They did exactly that, with solid goalkeeping to a solid backline they managed to hold their own against a good team. It ended with a 0 0 draw which is a great result for Hastings. Their last game against Crawley Flyers could have gone a little better. Fatigue took a part in this game. The team still played brilliantly, strong midfield play and defence play was what the coach was looking for. A couple of unlucky goals went against us which ended the game with a 2 0 defeat. But to come away with four points to begin their season is fantastic. The player of the games went to Joe, who made a brilliant tackle in the game against Brighton which stopped them from scoring. “I am so proud of how the team played in their first three games. They all played well as a team, connecting their passes and working well in the backline. With solid defence throughout the whole game, followed with a brilliant midfield line all the way to our upfront player. With Charlie White moving into the goalkeeper role, he started the season strong. I look forward to seeing this team progress throughout the season and seeing them play their very best as I know they can”
WALKING FOOTBALL
Our Walking Footballers have made a keen start to their new Season in the East Sussex Combination League. The Front side play their first game against rivals Bexhill this week, but the Hornets kicked off their campaign with a one-nil win against Battle Knights at home. Steve Penn – otherwise known as Inky – got on the scoresheet. The Over 60s team, who won their league last year, were beaten 2-1 at home by Eastbourne but drew their next two fixtures (0-0 to Burwash and 2-2 with The Atha): our scorers were Dave Tasker, aka Beaky, and Jim Ballard (Jimbo). This week saw the Club’s awards night at the Shiplu in Bexhill. Players’ Player of the Year was Kevin Connolly ( who also scooped Front Side most valuable player); Dave Tasker who won the Golden Boot with an excellent 17 goal tally and also was awarded the prestigious Clubman of the Year trophy for his tireless work on the Committee and securing us a new sponsorship deal for this season. Paul McCarthy (known to his mates as Ringo) became Hornet of the Year for a season of superb defending. In the next bulletin we will announce the sponsorship deal with a Premier League sponsor.
CLUB NEWS
The Club can announce the departure of two valued members of the staff team:
Joanne Oldridge our former Events Organiser at the Sports & Social Club and Pilot Bar; Jo has served the Club for many years as Booking Organiser for the Social Club and Pilot Bar and organised and supported many fundraising events over the years. Jo will be greatly missed but we understand that other commitments must now take priority.
James Hopkins has been our Commercial Manager, Lead Coach and overseen the development of the Club’s Ladies football, an Academy coach and Skiltek coach. James also initiated the Club’s Inclusive & Disability football team which is now enjoying great success. James has taken a full-time post with Eastbourne Borough FC as their Commercial Manager and Community Development Officer. Thanks to both and we wish them all success for the future.
Hastings United on the Road
Supporters are now able to book a seat on the players coach to travel to away games via our online ticketing platform. Priced at £20 per person, limited seats are available on the team coach, and you will be picked up and returned to the Pilot Field. The next away fixture is on Saturday 9th November 2024 when we travel to Wingate and Finchley FC for our league fixture. Tickets can be booked via this link: Away Travel Coach Ticket
NB This ticket is for coach travel only and will not gain you admission/entrance to the stadium. A Separate ticket must be purchased from Wingate and Finchley.
Hastings United FC v Deal Town FC – Velocity Cup
Special admission price of £5.00 for all or Football for a Fiver offer.
Deal FC for the Velocity Cup fixture on Tuesday 12th November 7:45pm Kick Off.
The Club is delighted to announce that Freedom Leisure are the new sponsors of our home and away dug outs for the next two seasons.
Freedom Leisure is one of the UK’s leading not-for-profit charitable leisure and cultural trusts providing high quality, affordable and accessible physical activity, mental health and social opportunities in local community facilities and have over 120 sites in the UK. In our local area Freedom Leisure have leisure centres here in Hastings, Bexhill, Rye. Tenterden and Hailsham and special thanks goes to the team at Bexhill Leisure Centre for providing the venue for our Disability and Inclusive teams training sessions.
Thank you to Toby and the team at Freedom Leisure your support really is appreciated. To Find out more about Freedom Leisure and their local facilities please visit: Improving Lives Through Leisure | Freedom Leisure
Hastings United Gift Vouchers
With Christmas approaching our gift vouchers offer you the perfect solution for an ideal gift for any Hastings United Fans. Priced from £5 upwards you can purchase a gift voucher for your chosen value which can then be redeemed against anything we sell via our online ticketing platform, including match day tickets, away travel and club events such as our Firework event. Hastings United Football Club
NB our gift vouchers are for online purchases only and currently not redeemable at our club shop.
The club is delighted to have recently secured two new major sponsors…keep an eye out on our website and social media for more exciting announcements coming soon
FEATURES / FORTHCOMING EVENTS
Hastings United Firework Spectacular
We look forward to welcoming you to our ever-popular Family Firework event at the Pilot Field on Friday 22nd November
A few things as a reminder prior to attending to ensure a safe and enjoyable evening is had by all.
Gates open at 5.30pm
PARKING 🚗 Please be considerate of residents driveways when parking your car. There will be no parking available inside the ground or the Hastings United Sports and Social club.
SPARKLERS AND BANGERS 🧨
These will NOT be permitted into the ground. Please be respectful to the stewards who are there for your safety
FOOD 🍔There will be two food outlets for your convenience.
DRINKS 🍺 The Bar will be open and all drinks will be served in plastics for the safety of all those attending.
Join Wriggles and Giggles in the Pilot Bar from 6:00pm for Family Disco & games
CAKES 🧁 AND BROWNIES These delicious bakes will be available inside the ground.
FLASHING LIGHTS AND SABRES 🔦 These will be available to purchase inside and outside of the ground.
And we look forward to welcoming Raven Drummers 🥁
Most of all we wish you all an enjoyable and safe evening 🙂
Click The Link for Tickets: Fireworks
Hastings Means Business
Book your tickets here: Hastings Means Business Autumn Networking Lunch
Join us for our popular quarterly HMB networking Lunch and festive celebrations on Friday 13th December 2024 at Hastings United Sports and Social Club, Elphinstone Road.
Enjoy a traditional served Christmas Dinner whilst networking with other local businesses and sponsors of Hastings United Football Club with the common interest of creating a thriving local business community:
Menu
Roast Turkey served with Baby New Potatoes, Carrots Sprouts Braised Red Cabbage, Stuffing & Gravy
Or
Vegetarian Wellington
Followed by
Christmas Pudding with Brandy Crème Anglais
Guest Speaker …. soon to be announced
Pay bar facility’s and FREE carparking available.
Our Sponsors
