Welcome to the December Bulletin from Hastings United FC
TEAM NEWS
MENS FIRST TEAM
We started off with a really positive result and performance against Whitehawk. We then followed this up with a narrow defeat at Wingate before seeing off Deal Town in the cup. We then followed this up with another narrow defeat against Cray Valley. As with the Wingate game, we were competitive and remained in the game until the end.
Going to Bognor in the Sussex Cup was next and after starting really well and looking the better team, we then had to play 60mins with 10 men after Toms red card. Two clear penalties turned down and a late goal conceded meant the boys again left empty handed for their efforts.
I don’t want or need to talk about the Saturday fixture at Hendon as everything that could be said has been. We needed to move on quickly and get back to basics.
We then done this against Carshalton when we took a deserved share of the spoils. In another day, with the chances we created, we could have won this game. I was pleased with the attitude and response of the players, but this must now be carried through to the end of the season.
On the player front, we have been struggling with injuries and have had players playing through the pain barrier. Not having breaks midweek is becoming an issue but we are now starting to nurse players back to full fitness and have also added to our ranks.
Firstly, Matt Kerbey has joined us on loan from Sutton in goal. Louis has been struggling for a number of weeks and now needs time to look after himself and get back to full fitness.
Will Harley has also joined us from Eastbourne Borough and you all saw the positive impact he had on Tuesday night. Will gives us a different option and allows us to play a different way as well. Once he gets a few more games in, I’ve no doubt he will score regularly for us. With a lot of fixtures coming up over the Xmas period, the whole squad will be used and pushed to the limits, having them all fit for this period is a priority for us right now.
Onwards and Upwards – Sean Ray & Bobbi-Jay Deegan
3rd December home to Cray Valley (Velocity Cup) 7th December away to Chichester City
10th December away to Horsham 14th December away to Billericay Town
21st December home to Bowers & Pitsea 26th December home to Dover Athletic
28th December away to Bognor Regis Town
WOMENS FIRST TEAM
3 games this month, all very close affairs. We travelled to Montpellier and came away with a point and felt disappointed not to come away with more. Chances missed and seemed to be the story for us this season so far, some brilliant defensive displays and build up play creating chances. Just struggling to put the ball in the back of the net. 0-0 that finished and a point on the road.
Welling away who are doing really well this season and tactically again got complimented but just couldn’t find the goal after 2 or 3 really good chances but this time we got punished with a goal from former U, Amelia Bate and lost 1-0.
We then had Newhaven, a team in the league above. I felt we dominated the ball and created really good chances and this time we got a goal! Rebecca Relf with the finish and managed to take the cup tie to penalties and debatable should have won in the 90 minutes. However lost 3-2 on penalties after a really good display! Three Bridges got postponed which is a 6 point game for us.
We have been looking a lot more solid and working for the badge which is great to see and is all I ask for!
Update on Tiana Tapp is she is having medical appointments to sort out her medical diagnosis which is hopefully a positive one but she is all well and on the mend.
Thank you for your continued support and please come down and support our 3 back to back home games before Christmas. – Jason Tibble
8th December home to Aylesford 15th December home to Bognor Regis Town
INCLUSIVE & DISABILITY TEAM
Hastings United Disability and Inclusive fourth and fifth game of the Sussex disability league. Today the team went back up to Lancing, to face East Surrey Hawks and Worthing. Today was a tough day, with the aftermath of Storm Bert we weren’t too sure whether it’ll go ahead but we were pleased to hear the games did indeed go ahead. It’s the first time the team played football in such strong winds which caused havoc with the football. Unfortunately, it wasn’t to be our day as no matter how hard we fought and battled to keep possession and maintain control of the ball with the wind as well, we just couldn’t find the back of the net. We lost both games with a 3 0 defeat and then a 5 0 defeat. As a coach I’d rather see the team work their socks off, battle for every possession and show football teamwork and work ethic. So even with those defeats the team did exactly as I asked. I couldn’t ask for anything else. Their work ethic was 100% through and through. Right to the very last whistle of both games, they worked hard. Unfortunately, it just wasn’t meant to be today. After each win and loss I always say we look towards our training sessions and work on different things and always improve. We now have a big gap before our next games which are due in February. So between then and now we are looking to get some friendlies in so the team can continue what they love the most, FOOTBALL.
WALKING FOOTBALL
Next Report from Tony Harris will be in the January Bulletin
CLUB NEWS
Club Comment – An incident occurred recently at our home game against Deal Town when one of our young supporters was singled out for abusive behaviour by a few young people who felt it acceptable to ridicule and belittle him. The young supporter in question is not only a loyal supporter of the Club but also represents the Club as a member of the Club’s Inclusive & Disability Team in the Sussex Disability League. He is proud to wear the Club colours, and the Club is proud of him.
The Club wishes to make it clear that the behaviour shown recently is totally unacceptable and will not be tolerated. If the individuals responsible for such behaviour are identified to the Club, they will be banned for the remainder of the current season. It is hoped that such suspension will provide those involved with an opportunity to reflect upon their behaviour and actions and enable them to become better persons in the future.
Hastings United strongly condemns all forms of discriminatory behaviour and reaffirms that such actions have no place in a modern, inclusive society. We are committed to fostering an environment of respect and equality, ensuring that every individual feels welcome and valued within our club. Discrimination of any kind is unequivocally unacceptable and will not be tolerated at Hastings United.
The Club also acknowledges the support expressed on Facebook and other social media platforms for our young supporter/player which clearly demonstrates that our fantastic fans are fully committed to ensuring our football family is totally inclusive.
FAMILY ROOM / FIRST AID STATION
The former Club merchandise shop, next to the Burger bar, is currently being refurbished and will in the New Year be available as a Family Room for baby changing and will be equipped with changing table and mat and accessories and provide a facility for baby feeding. The Room will also be the First Aid Station.
Don’t miss this exciting opportunity to participate in this Xmas Community Camp
MEET THE NEW CO-OWNERS OF HASTINGS UNITED
Dean White, Chairman of Hastings United FC welcomes the Directors of Torch Sports to the Pilot Field
SC: Solomon Curtis, HL: Hilary Lissenden, DL: Danny Levart
1. Can you share a bit about your background and what led you to join Hastings United FC?
SC: Growing up in Hastings, I’ve always felt a strong connection to the town. My first football match was right here, watching this club, and I remember the passion that’s still vibrant today. In 2018, I worked on London’s sports strategy with Mayor Sadiq Khan, collaborating with top sporting bodies such as the NFL, NBA and Premier League to maximize social and economic impact. Now, I have the chance to bring that experience back to my hometown and make a difference at Hastings United.
HL: Hastings United was an obvious choice for us. It’s a historic club with so much potential for growth. My background includes developing sports programmes across England, especially through my roles in boxing as a former director of England Boxing and at a London-based community gym. I’m thrilled to take on a new challenge in football and work with such a passionate club and community.
DL: Since moving to Hastings a few years ago, I’ve come to love the town and its people. I’m a lifelong football fan with a deep interest in grassroots football, and my career as a finance director has allowed me to work with some of the world’s leading sports brands. I’m excited to bring my expertise here and contribute to the club’s success.
2. Redeveloping the Pilot Field was a key focus of the announcement. Can you tell us what fans should expect?
HL: We’re developing an investment strategy with our co-owners and the club to approach the Pilot Field redevelopment in phases. Our
priority is to establish strong partnerships with funders, investors, and the community to ensure the project is sustainable and meets everyone’s needs.
DL: We’re working with architects on proposals, and keeping the club at the Pilot Field feels right because of its history and the opportunity it presents. Our goal is to provide facilities that allow our teams to reach their potential and bring pride to our supporters.
SC: Fans should expect a well-thought-out plan focused on the club’s long-term success, not just short-term gains. We’re ambitious but mindful of creating a sustainable future. After discussions with the local MP and Hastings Borough Council, I’m confident the town is behind us. Any redevelopment isn’t just about the next few years; it’s about setting up the club for the next 25 years.
3. Community involvement is a big part of the club’s identity. What role do you see fans, businesses, and the wider community playing in the club’s future?
DL: Ben White and his team of staff and volunteers have done an amazing job building relationships with the community and local businesses, which is something we want to continue and expand. Our strategy is to grow from our local base and make sure the club benefits the town as much as the town supports the club.
SC: We’re working on an ambitious brand strategy for 2030, with input from fans, businesses, and residents. The potential to elevate Hastings’ profile through football is huge. Hastings is a town with rich history and unique character, and we want to help share that with a wider audience.
HL: We’re committed to enhancing the experience for fans at home fixtures and to building the club’s presence in town and local events. Our young fans are the future, and our long-standing supporters are the club’s heartbeat. We want to strengthen ties across the town, including with Hastings’ vibrant arts, culture, and music scenes.
4. What message do you want to send to the supporters of the club as you begin your journey?
SC/HL/DL: We’re here for the long haul, and we’re committed to growing the club in a way that’s sustainable and beneficial for everyone involved. Aspire have done a remarkable job, and their dedication was a big reason we joined this journey. This season is our chance to engage with fans, test ideas, and start making small but impactful improvements.
We’re not here to interfere with the day-to-day running of the club’s teams, but we’ll be working hard behind the scenes to support them in every way we can. We ask fans and the wider Hastings and St Leonards community to be patient and to join us on this journey.
We’re looking forward to meeting as many of you as possible over the coming weeks, months, and years. If you see us at the Pilot Field, please come and say hello. Come on you Us!
WE ARE DELIGHTED TO ANNOUNCE –
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.
FEATURES & FORTHCOMING EVENTS
FESTIVE FUN AT HASTINGS UNITED FC
Hastings Means Business:
Christmas Networking Lunch – Friday 13th December 12 noon – 5pm
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:
Guest Speaker: Solomon Curtis from Torch Sports
Fancy a Party
And finally –
All at the Club wish our fantastic supporters and amazing sponsors a very happy and peaceful Christmas and a prosperous New Year
COYU’s
