Welcome to the TGS Pilot Field
Club CEO/Chairman
Billy Wood This isn’t the original programme notes I wrote for this game but I’m appreciative that our editor Paul was willing to make the last minute changes, thank you. One thing that doesn’t change is a warm welcome to our amazing supporters and the staff, coaches, players and supporters of Whitstable Town FC tonight. Obviously the news will have travelled and I’m sure anyone reading this now knows Chris Agutter made the decision to resign from his role as First Team Manager. I have the upmost respect for Chris and the job he has done here, before and since I arrived, and I’m proud of the relationship we share. A supportive win together and lose together relationship where I believed the objectives at the club were all our driving factors.
than any individual and it’s important we do not forget our vision and desire. Therefore I have spoken with Andrew Brown and the staff who will at the very least take the next three games and I believe they are determined to work hard and put smiles on all your faces. I’m sure you will all be wondering what’s around the corner for HUFC, one promise I will make is NOTHING CHANGES. NOTHING CHANGES ... The goals remain the same, we will be striving to go up these leagues and delivering success that each and every one of you deserve. I’m calm, my desire and belief hasn’t changed, the challenge is set and we will be diligent with it. We are Hastings United, don’t forget who we are.
Sadly Chris felt a little like he couldn’t give us his all anymore and that the challenge wasn’t here. After talking to Chris for hours at length about it, whilst I don’t agree a challenge is here I get he has to make a personal choice that is right for him. I want to put on record as a First Team Manager he has been a pleasure to work with and I’m sad he won’t see the fruits of the labour.
TODAY I URGE … BE THE LOUDEST WE’VE EVER BEEN, BE THE PROUDEST WE’VE EVER BEEN AND SUPPORT THE BOYS IN CLARET AND WHITE LIKE THEY DESERVE, THERE IS NO QUIT WHILST WEARING THAT BADGE.
The most important thing for me is this football club, I’ve always said this club is bigger
Billy Wood HUFC Chairman / Chief Executive Officer
COYU!
Billy
From the dugout
Andrew Brown Good evening everyone. Firstly I’d like to place on record my personal gratitude towards Chris Agutter. I have worked alongside Agi for over 10 years and cannot thank him enough for his hard work, commitment and guidance. He has helped me grow as coach and more importantly as a person, not to mention the job he has done for Hastings United Football Club. Secondly a huge congratulations to Ollie Black who on Saturday achieved his 100th appearance for the club. Ollie has been, and will continue to be, a big part of our success in recent years and moving forwards. Well done OB! Our focus now turns to tonight’s fixture against a Whitstable Town side who are evidently improving under the guidance of Keith McMahon.
Despite the defeat there were a lot of positives to take from Saturday’s performance, particularly the first 25-30 minutes where we looked back to our brilliant best. If we take another of our early chances I genuinely think we go on to win the game. But we move forward, and if there’s anything I know about this team it’s that they will react right, and will be determined more than ever to get back to winning ways. We look forward to hearing your ever present support, you really are the heartbeat of this Football Club! COYU’s ...
Andrew Brown
Ben Pope nets against Felixstowe & Walton United
Photo: Scott White Photography
MATCH SPONSOR
Chris Agutter has spoken about his decision to resign as manager of Hastings United ... "Firstly I'd like to place on record a big thank you to Dean and Ben White for giving me the opportunity to join the club back in 2017, both have been ever-present and continue to drive a thriving academy that gives Hastings United the strongest of foundations from which to move forward. "Secondly I'd like to acknowledge all the directors, staff and all those behind the scenes that I've been lucky enough to work with during my time at Hastings United, most notably Daren, Peter, Billy, Pat and former director Dave Nessling, all have given me great support and backing and all have trusted me to manage what is a proper sleeping giant of a football club, a privilege I'll be eternally grateful for. "I'll always miss the support behind the goal and I'll sometimes miss the main-stand support. George, Podcast Chris, Simon Stoddart, Rob, Joe, John Wills, Leon, Sandy, Steve and Harry and so many more genuinely thank you for being the 12th man. "A final and most special thank you to all the people I've had the absolute pleasure of sharing the dressing room with over the best part of the past five years, the 18s, 19s, 23s and first team. It's been over 400 games and many more training sessions that have given me my best days in football to date, so many special memories with so many great people that I'll look back on with nothing but pride and happiness. "I now look forward to the next challenge wherever that may be while wishing Hastings United the very best of luck for the future. COYUs!"
Chris Agutter
Commercial Director
Good evening everyone. I would firstly like to start by saying how sad I was at the news of Aggy’s decision to leave the Club having worked with him for several years, I would like to wish him all the best for the future and thank him for all his hard work over the years. As we look to the future, I would like to express my full support to Browny and the management team as we move forward as a club and look to exciting times ahead. After a defeat at home on Saturday in the FA Trophy we return to the TGS Pilot Field this evening to welcome Whitstable Town in the league. I would like to welcome and thank you our Match Sponsor to tonight's game, 180 Sports Bar who are based in Hastings and are the only Sport Bar in town. They show all LIVE sport on the biggest HD sports screen in town. They have America and English Pool, Snooker, iDarts and traditional darts, Fusball and Table Tennis. They also have a VIP Room, serve food daily and host events including a Club Night. Check out their offers and facilities on social media.
Hayley Clout We hope Tom and his guests enjoy their evening with us and thank him for his continued support here at the club. I would also like to welcome and continually thank Bob H who is our Matchball Sponsor for every league game, Bob does so much for the club and we thank him for his continued support both with the first team and the ladies team. I would finally like to welcome and thank our Mascot to tonight's game, Ellis who is 6. We hope you enjoy your evening with us and the matchday experience. Enjoy the game and hopefully 3 points!
Hayley If you would like any further details on our Commercial side, please call me on 07766 825573
FIREWORKS NIGHT FRIDAY 12TH NOVEMBER THE TGS PILOT FIELD
Check the Club Website and Social Media for ticket news ...
MATCH MASCOT Ellis Suggitt - Age 6 Favourite Team - Hastings United Favourite Players - Sammy Adams and Kenny Pogue
HASTINGS UNITED FOOTBALL CLUB DIRECTORS, MANAGEMENT & OFFICIALS
CLUB DETAILS
DIRECTORS & SECRETARY
Co Name: Hastings United Football Club Limited
Chairman / CEO / Director Billy Wood Vice Chairman / Director Pat McCrossan Director Hayley Clout Director Craig Barrow Director Ross Shewry-Maryan Director Peter Sherlock Non-Executive Director Daren Burney Company Secretary Dane Martin
TGS Pilot Field Elphinstone Rd Hastings TN34 2AX Private Limited Company: Incorporated 24/9/1997 Company Registration Number: 03441850 Registered office address:
36 Cambridge Road Hastings East Sussex TN341DU
Ownership - Major shareholders: Bohemia Hastings LLP - 95.27% Daren Burney & Peter Sherlock 100% controlling party Telephone
01424 444635
CLUB PRESIDENT Dave Ormerod
Email club@hastingsunited.com Website www.hastingsunited.com
MEMBERS OF
FOOTBALL MANAGEMENT
Pitching In Isthmian Football League Sussex County Football Association
Director of Football Dean White FIRST TEAM MANAGEMENT & STAFF Manager Chris Agutter Assistant Manager Andrew Brown Coach Peter Heritage GK Coach / Opposition Scout Ben Cornelius Kit Coordinator/Matchday Physio Dane Martin Sports Therapist / Physio Paige Wise Performance Analyst James McCrossan
LIFE MEMBERS Les Britton Peter Eastman David Harding David Nessling Dave Ormerod Charles Pilbeam Tony Cosens
VICE PRESIDENTS C Barrow
J Downton
A Keen
U23 DEVELOPMENT SQUAD MANAGEMENT
U23 Manager U23 Assistant Manager
OFFICIALS Club Secretary
Dane Martin
Commercial Director
Hayley Clout
Programme Editor
Paul Hoggard
Press Officer
Billy Wood
Public Address/Matchday Media Team: Eddie Denyer Pat McCrossan Nick Clarke Ryan Segal Bob Quinn Matchday Liaison Officer Steph McCrossan 1st Team Photographer (M & W )
Scott White
1st Team Videographer (M & W )
Joseph Knight
U23/U18 Photographer
Joe Knight
Health & Safety Officer
David Russell
Deputy Safety Officer
Greg Agathocli
Club Shop Managers Ged Clout & Sue Gallop Pilot Bar Manager
Dane Martin
Kit/Laundry Manager
Sue Cornelius
Head Groundsman
Simon Rudkins
www.hastingsunited.com
U18 SQUAD MANAGEMENT
U18 Manager U18 Assistant Manager
Andrew Brown Andrew Brown
ACADEMY Coaching Partner Skiltek Education Scheme Partner East Sussex College Hastings Head of Academy Chris Agutter Senior Development Phase Lead Andrew Brown Management Group Craig Barrow, Chris Agutter, Andrew Brown, Sean Ray Welfare Roger Bond / Louise Chalmers Administration Roger Bond Discipline Hannah Smith Social Media & Press Officer Charmaine Ridgers Recruitment Chris Agutter, Andrew Brown, Sean Ray U16 Manager Bernie Walker U15 Manager Tony Field U13 Manager Guiseppe Lombardelli U11 Manager Russell Small U10 Manager Neil Cornwell U9 Manager Sean Ray U8 Manager Shane Ridgers U7 Manager Jake Daniels
Gut Feeling Simon Stoddart My waffle and opinions, I don't speak for Hastings United. Personal observations on the world of semi-pro football and sport in general.
CONCENTRATE ON THE LEAGUE! We all go through rocky spells and with three defeats in five games, here's hoping we've got our's out the way. That Felixstowe game was a weird one. Huge wake up call in the 1st minute when they had a well worked goal disallowed followed by the U's taking them to the cleaners for 20 minutes with just one goal to show for it. And all the time, our Isthmian North opponents were getting back into the game. As for the second-half, one of those days when nothing went right. Happens to us all. Felixstowe weathered that first-half storm and deserved their win.
Mason? Now doing the business for Hashtag United in Isthmian North. And what about Ollie Rowe? Very popular centre-half last seen here in Whitstable colours as it happens, and giving them the lead in what ended up being the final game of the curtailed 2019-20 season. You'll find him way way up there in the West of Scotland League playing for Glenafton Athletic. And Davide Rodari who hasn't featured for Crawley this season was on the bench at the weekend for their EFL2 fixture with Port Vale.
710 attendance Saturday with a respectable following making the long haul from Suffolk. It's early days still but here we are noting 710 is our lowest gate of the season so far. Cup football being the distraction it is, we drop to 7th with games in hand on everyone above us. We need to get rerailed this evening. Cray Valley and Haywards Heath are 13 and 12 points clear of us respectively after winning again on Saturday and that's already a big gap at barely the start of November.
HASTINGS OLD BOYS Just up the A21, Jamie Fielding and Adam Lovatt playing at Long Mead for Tonbridge Angels on Saturday. Not a good day as they lost 2-0 to Oxford City in a National South fixture. And what of Daniel Ajakaiye who we would all, surely, have back here yesterday - scoring aplenty for Kingstonian. Two more on Saturday in their 6-0 FA Trophy demolition job at East Thurrock. Remember Kiernan Hughes-
Ollie Rowe looking dapper in his Glenafton Athletic kit.
Ollie Bayliss put this breakdown together of those moving up and down the leagues. Covid has dragged it all out even more.
UPS AND DOWNS Relegation / Promotion issues still to be resolved from National League downwards. A combination of Covid curtailed seasons, clubs going belly up (Macclesfield and Bury - both reformed in semi-pro football) etc etc has resulted in the National League top tier being one club short and it's feeder divisions, National South and North also being short. The net result is adjustments to get the National League divisions up to 24 clubs each. Such as 3 clubs relegated from the top National tier while 4 come up from the South and North divisions - that gets the top tier up to 24 clubs. It's all very complex the adjustments and shuffling around to get the respective leagues up to their appropriate numbers. Isthmian South Central for example -
a club short following the demise of Whyteleafe. At a guess that division will reduce its relegation tally by one to get the division up to its 20 club complement. Step 4? That's us, eight divisions altogether. 16 clubs up to step 3 with relegation issues settled partially by play-offs. Ollie Bayliss, a top semi-pro football journalist, helpfully put an ups and downs table together. Blatantly cribbed, check it out (above). One thing for sure, there will be plenty of sideways moves in the summer. 6 sides going up from the three step 4 Isthmian divisions to the Isthmian Premier which relegates 4. The numbers don't tally so sideways shuffles (Between Isthmian and Southern Leagues for example) will be needed to even everything out. Photo: Scott White Photography
Best dressed away supporter competition ruined by United boys selfishly celebrating a goal at Hythe. That bloke in the blue and black check jacket would surely have won .......
HUFC vs FELIXSTOWE - MAN OF THE MATCH - TOM CHALMERS Tom Chalmers was awarded ‘Man Of The Match’ by Match Sponsor Hastings Railway Social Club. Tom was presented with his award by Paul Harrison. Photo: Scott White Photography
LEAGUE NEWS From: Ian Townsend
South East Division
FORMER WHITSTABLE PLAYER-COACH BEN HARDING MOVES ALONG THE COAST Ramsgate have announced - as a player - the signing of midfielder Ben Harding, until recently, Whitstable Town player/coach. Ben previously played for both Wimbledon and MK Dons, Northampton Town, Aldershot Town, Torquay United, Wycombe Wanderers, Gosport Borough and Truro City, amongst others. He also spent some time as interim manager of the White Tigers. He made three appearances for the Oysterboys, generally concentrating on his coaching duties and occupying a place on the bench. He also spent some time as interim boss after the departure of Lloyd Blackman in mid September.
ISTHMIAN LEAGUE SOUTH EAST DIVISION TABLE 2021/22 SUNDAY 31 OCTOBER 2021 # 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20
Team Cray Valley PM Haywards Heath T Ashford United VCD Athletic Herne Bay Ramsgate HASTINGS UNITED Sittingbourne Corinthian Three Bridges Sevenoaks Town Whitehawk Faversham Town Hythe Town Lancing Chichester City East Grinstead Town Burgess Hill Town Whitstable Town Phoenix Sports
P 12 11 11 12 9 10 8 10 11 12 12 10 9 9 11 10 11 9 10 11
HW HD 4 2 5 0 4 1 4 1 4 0 3 1 1 1 4 0 1 2 2 2 2 0 2 1 2 1 1 1 2 1 2 2 2 2 1 1 1 2 0 1
HL AW AD 0 5 0 1 4 1 0 3 1 2 2 2 0 2 2 2 2 1 1 4 0 1 1 1 2 3 0 2 0 5 4 2 1 2 1 1 1 1 1 3 2 1 3 1 1 1 0 2 1 0 1 2 1 1 3 0 0 4 1 0
AL 1 0 2 1 1 1 1 3 3 1 3 3 3 1 3 3 5 3 4 5
W 9 9 7 6 6 5 5 5 4 2 4 3 3 3 3 2 2 2 1 1
D 2 1 2 3 2 2 1 1 2 7 1 2 2 2 2 4 3 2 2 1
L 1 1 2 3 1 3 2 4 5 3 7 5 4 4 6 4 6 5 7 9
F 32 25 20 25 17 25 20 18 13 12 15 10 9 9 9 15 11 11 11 8
A 12 8 8 15 4 15 12 17 15 23 27 16 16 17 21 12 16 16 19 24
+/20 17 12 10 13 10 8 1 -2 -11 -12 -6 -7 -8 -12 3 -5 -5 -8 -16
Pts Home Away 29 28 23 1-3 L 1303 21 20 1-1 D 949 17 2-3 L 648 16 16 14 13 13 4-1 W 206 11 2-0 W 1214 11 11 3-0 W 225 11 10 9 8 3-2 W 325 5 4 4-2 W 174
2020/21 APPEARANCES & GOALSCORERS 2021/22 APPEARANCES & GOALSCORERS STARTS PLAYER
Sam Adams Ollie Black Aaron Capon Tom Chalmers Sam Cruttwell Lloyd Dawes Jack Dixon Jake Elliott Gary Elphick Marcus Goldsmith Harvey Greig Kenny Pogue Ben Pope Davide Rodari Louis Rogers (GK) Knory Scott R Sterling-Parker Craig Stone Benn Ward Ryan Worrall
10 10 2 13 3 4 11 11 7 0 8 11 1 13 1 2 13 10 13
SEASON CAREER SUB TOTAL GOALS APPS GOALS
1 7 1 6 2 1 3 2 5 3 1 -
11 10 9 13 3 1 10 11 11 9 1 11 13 6 13 4 3 13 10 13
4 2 1 1 5 4 1 2
569 143 84 9 0 25 6 262 18 1 246 34 50 4 53 5 9 1 204 54 50 29 87 44 65 4 3 48 5 10 43 4
STARTS PLAYER
Sam Adams Lanre Azeez Jack Bates Ollie Black Tom Chalmers Lloyd Dawes Jack Dixon Gary Elphick Marcus Goldsmith Harvey Greig Sam Hasler James Hull Nathan Jenkins Freddie Legg Dave Martin Kane Penn Kenny Pogue Ben Pope Louis Rogers (GK) Knory Scott Craig Stone Ryan Worrall
12 4 16 13 2 16 13 10 16 1 4 12 3 7 12 16 15 4
SEASON CAREER SUB TOTAL GOALS APPS GOALS
2 7 3 1 2 2 4 1 5 1 1 7 2 4
14 11 3 16 14 4 16 13 10 2 16 5 5 5 13 4 14 12 16 2 15 8
1 2 2 1 3 8 1 1 2 8 8 1 -
583 144 71 4 3 100 2 39 7 5 262 34 66 8 19 3 16 8 6 1 5 5 1 13 2 4 218 62 62 37 81 6 1 63 5 51 4
LEAGUE NEWS From: Ian Townsend
South East Division
WEEKEND ROUND UP First took on third, with Cray Valley PM aware that any slip ups could see second place Haywards Heath take over at the top. Ashford United won brilliantly at title favourites Hastings United in midweek, coming from behind to do so, and as we reached half time knew they’d have to do the same again, Denzel Gayle giving the Millers the lead just before the break. That turned out to be the only goal of the game, and kept Cray at the summit. Heath hosted Sittingbourne, the Brickies looking to bounce back after their hammering at the hands of the Millers last weekend, whilst the hosts were on a high after scoring six of their own last weekend. The first half saw only one goal, which came early and went to the hosts, Jerson Dos Santos after just five minutes - but they didn’t make things easy for themselves when Kieron Rowe was dismissed eight minutes before the break. The sending off didn’t change the outcome, however, as Sam Remfry made it two fourteen minutes from time to seal the win. VCD Athletic hosted East Grinstead Town, and the deadlock was broken just before the break, Youssef Bamba opening the
scoring. The Wasps drew level on fifty eight minutes, Marco Sousa Pina with the equaliser, but a spell of three goals in five minutes sealed the win for Vickers, Kiki Oshilaja, Anthony Adesite and Jason Williams making it four-one. Athletic stay fourth. Ramsgate gave a debut to new signing Ben Harding, and went ahead after fourteen minutes, Joshua Ajayi getting his eighth of the campaign against Phoenix Sports. The hosts doubled their advantage just after the break, Callum Peck giving Sports the bird, and two goals in the last twelve minutes saw Ajayi claim a hat trick and seal the victory, the Rams in sixth. Sevenoaks Town had a local derby as they welcomed Corinthian, and they got the only goal of the first half, Louis Collins scoring from the spot on fifteen minutes- his eighth of the season. That turned out to be the only goal of the game, Oaks ending the day in eleventh. Whitstable Town and Three Bridges didn’t manage a goal between them in the first half, but there was soon a goal in the second, Harry Goodger from the spot for the Oysterboys on the hour. Dan Perry’s equaliser thirteen minutes from time sealed Bridges seventh draw from twelve matches.
Super SAMMY ADAMS
Substitutes used A,B,C,D,E replaced in brackets Goalscorers in bold
Photo: Scott White Photography
OUR VISITORS
WHITSTABLE TOWN Full name: Whitstable Town Football Club Nickname: The Oystermen Founded: 1886 President: Joe Brownett Chairperson: Steve Clayton Manager: Keith McMahon Assistant manager: Steve Wait Goalkeeping coach: Mark Lane Physio: Alice Lee Kit: Ada Hubbard The Belmont Ground Whitstable, Kent
Ground: The Belmont Ground Whitstable, Kent Capacity: 3,000 Team colours: Home: Red shirts, red shorts, red socks Away: Yellow shirts, yellow shorts, blue and yellow socks
PREVIOUS MEETINGs Meetings between the sides date back to when we were Hastings Town and playing at “The Firs” where we first met in a pre-1980/81 season game which we won 3-1. Eleven seasons later we went to the Belmont on Saturday, 27th July, 1991 for another pre-season match where a Danny Whyman goal secured us a 1-1 draw. Whitstable first played us here on Tuesday, 15th February, 1994 when they progressed in a Kent Midweek League Cup second round tie which they won 3-1, before a crowd of just 47 who saw Nick Hall net our goal. Almost a decade then elapsed until our next meeting as we visited them three times for pre-season matches in 2003 (won 2-1), 2004 (lost 0-4) and 2009 (drew 2-2). We renewed acquaintances with the Oystermen in 2013/14 after their earlier promotion into the Ryman Isthmian League. Most recent past results are shown below.
SEASON 2015/16 RYMAN LEAGUE ONE SOUTH RESULTS
VS
WHITSTABLE TOWN
Saturday 16 January 2016 Ryman Div One South
Saturday 5 March 2016 Ryman Div One South
Whitstable Town 1 – 2 Hastings United
Hastings United 6 – 1 Whitstable Town
Att 197 Scorers: Stuart King
Scorers: Sam Adams Sean Ray
Att 387 Scorers: Scorers: Billy Medlock (2) Stuart King Sean Ray (2) Ollie Rowe Tyrell Richardson-Brown
SEASON 2018/19 BOSTIK LEAGUE ONE SOUTH RESULTS
VS
WHITSTABLE TOWN
Saturday 17 November 2018 Bostik Div One South
Saturday 9 February 2019 Bostik Div One South
Hastings United 3 – 1 Whitstable Town
Whitstable Town 1 – 1 Hastings United
Att 512 Scorers: Daniel Ajakaiye Youssouf Bamba Sam Beale
Att 222 Scorer: Tom Bryant
Scorer: Jordan Wright
SEASON 2019/20 BETVICTOR LEAGUE ONE SE RESULTS
Scorer: Jordy Mongoy
VS
WHITSTABLE TOWN
Tuesday 3 December 2019 BetVictor Div One SE
Saturday 7 March 2020 BetVictor Div One SE
Whitstable Town 1 – 3 Hastings United
Hastings United 2 – 1 Whitstable Town Att 721
Att 162 Scorer: Harry Stannard
Scorers: Davide Rodari Gary Elphick (2)
Scorers: Ben Pope (2 Pens)
Scorer: Ollie Rowe
WHITSTABLE TOWN HISTORY Whitstable Town is a football club based in Whitstable, Kent, England. The club was established in 1885 and in 1909 joined the Kent League, where they remained for many years, apart from a couple of short spells elsewhere. In the 1996/97 season, the team reached the fifth round of the FA Vase. They were champions of the Kent League Premier Division in the 2006/07 season and were promoted to the Isthmian League. After nine seasons they suffered relegation and played in the Southern Counties East League Premier Division for the next two, but in 2017/18 they won both the Kent Senior Trophy and League Cup, whilst also finishing runnersup in the league, which was enough to gain promotion back to the Isthmian League, where they are currently members of the South-East Division. Although the first recorded football match in Whitstable was in 1885, the first record of Whitstable Town's existence was the following year. After a couple of years playing in a field behind the railway station, the club relocated to The Belmont Ground in 1888, where they play to this day. In 1909 the Oystermen joined the original Kent League, where they played until it folded in 1959, winning the Division Two title three times. They also lifted the Kent Amateur Cup (now Kent Senior Trophy) in 1929. After the collapse of the Kent League, the club played for a while in the
Aetolian League, but this meant long trips to play London teams as opposed to the earlier money-spinning East Kent derbies, and this was a period of financial struggle for the club, which dropped into the amateur leagues for a number of years. In the late 1960s the Kent League reformed, with the Oystermen among the founder members, moving back from the Greater London League. Trophy success was rare although they did reach cup finals on several occasions and lifted the Kent League cup in 1979-80 when they beat Chatham 4-3 after extra time, having trailed 3-1 late in the second half. They also attracted national publicity in 1989 when striker Gerry Allen scored a goal after just 4 seconds of a match. A dramatic penalty shootout involving 26 spot kicks brought the Kent Senior Trophy to Whitstable in 2000-01 when VCD were eventually beaten 10-9 on penalties after the teams finished level at 1-1 after extra time. Whitstable remained members of the Kent League until their promotion to the Isthmian League in 2007. The 2006/07 season marked the best in the club’s history when supporter Tony Rouse took over as chairman from long time servant of the club Joe Brownett. Rouse appointed first team captain Marc Seager as the club’s manager, taking over from Matt Toms. Under Marc Seager’s leadership the team won the Kent League and the Kent
Senior Trophy. In 2012 former local referee Gary Johnson took over as chairman from Joe Brownett (after his second spell in the chair) who stepped down after many years at Whitstable Town. The club’s best finish in the Isthmian League was eighth under managers Jim and Danny Ward in 2014/15, while Nicky Southall led them to the last 32 of the FA Trophy in 2013/14, before losing 2-1 to Ebbsfleet United in front of 742 supporters at the Belmont Ground. Towards the end of a turbulent 2015/16 season that saw the chairman resign and the club relegated, Joe Brownett again returned as chairman and Scott Porter took over as Manager for the last few games in the Isthmian League before relegation was confirmed. The club rebuilt off the pitch and after two seasons in the Southern Counties East League, promotion back into the Isthmian League was achieved with a second placed finish during a season that also brought cup final wins in the Kent Senior Trophy and the SCEFL Challenge Cup. The club launched a football academy at the start of the 2017/18 season and then joined together with Whitstable Town Junior Football Club on 1st June 2019, when the club ownership was also transferred to a new limited company. With chairman Joe Brownett and manager
Scott Porter both deciding to stand down to take up alternative roles within the club, the 2019-20 season heralded a fresh start for Whitstable Town. The junior club chairman Steve Clayton took up the position of overall club chairman and Lloyd Blackman became the new first team manager. There are now opportunities for children under the age of eighteen to train, play football and be part of the town’s senior club and with a thriving academy and new reserves team, there is a clear pathway to senior football in the town. Manager Lloyd Blackman resigned in September 2021 and was replaced by former Thamesmead Town and VCD Athletic manager Keith McMahon.
The Belmont Ground has a large car park, but please note its entrance is on Grimshill Road, CT5 4LN. The ground has a seated stand along one side as well as covered terracing behind each goal. There is a clubhouse that can be hired for private functions, when not in use for matches.
PLAYER
for 2019-20 season Previous clubs Gillingham, Ramsgate Local player who originally joined Whitstable after leaving Gillingham, then played for Ramsgate before returning to the Belmont
PROFILES Jack Miles Age 26, Centre Back Dan Eason Age: 32, Goalkeeper Whitstable debut: October 2015 and has since made well over 200 appearances Previous clubs: Herne Bay, Hythe Town Very consistent goalkeeper and fans’ favourite Reached the FA Vase semi-final with Herne Bay Henry Duley Age 17, Goalkeeper Whitstable Town Under 18 Kent Youth League player Unused substitute in FA Cup tie, August 2021
James Brown Age 28, Left Back, Midfield Whitstable debut: November 2011 and rejoined for 2019-20 season Previous clubs: Faversham, Herne Bay and also had spells playing overseas Former youth player at Gillingham and son of local footballing legend Neil Brown Ollie Gray Age 30, Centre Back, Right Back, Midfield Whitstable debut: August 2014 and re-joined for 2020-21 season Previous clubs: QPR (youth), Margate, Ramsgate, Sittingbourne and Eastbourne Town Versatile player in his second spell at Whitstable
Simon Kabamba Age 22, Right Back Whitstable debut: October 2020 Previous club: Herne Bay Currently out with a knee injury sustained in pre-season Jake Mackenzie Age 27, Right Back Whitstable debut: August 2012 and re-joined
Whitstable debut: October 2020 Previous clubs: Sevenoaks Town, Ashford United A home grown player at Sevenoaks, who was a part of their team that won promotion to the Isthmian League, before having a short spell at Ashford
Tom Mills Age 29, Defender, Left Midfield Whitstable debut: September 2020 Previous clubs: Maidstone United, Margate Made 341 appearances for Maidstone as they won several promotions to reach the National League
Will Thomas Age 23, Centre Back Whitstable debut: October 2020 Previous clubs: Maidstone Academy, East Grinstead Town, Hythe Town, Sheppey United, Canterbury City, Ramsgate Played for a number of clubs after leaving Maidstone Academy, before joining Whitstable in 2020
Tom Carlton Age 23, Midfield Whitstable debut: August 2021 Previous clubs: Herne Bay, Hythe Town A youth player with Chelsea, West Ham and Colchester United, before joining Herne Bay Signed for Whitstable in November 2020, but Covid delays meant waiting nine months for his debut
Montrell Deslandes Age 19, Defensive Midfield Whitstable debut: October 2021 Previous clubs: Whitstable Town Academy Promising midfielder, who has progressed to the first team squad after a number of good performances for the academy and reserve teams
Luke Griffiths Age 22, Midfield Whitstable debut: October 2021 Previous clubs: Faversham Town, VCD Athletic, Sheppey United Played youth football locally and has developed into a goal scoring midfielder Leo Mazzone Age 24, Midfield, Right Back Whitstable debut: September 2019 Previous clubs: Ebbsfleet United, East Grinstead Town Part of the Ebbsfleet Academy before featuring for their first team and signing a two year contract Moved to East Grinstead, where he made over 150 appearances George McIlroy Age 17, Central Midfield Whitstable debut: August 2021 Previous team: Whitstable Town U18 A promising, young midfielder who has joined the first team squad for the current season Freddie Oliver Age 17, Central Midfield Whitstable debut: September 2021 Whitstable Town Under 18 Kent Youth League player, who made his first team debut at Chichester in the FA Trophy
Patrick Underhill Age 17, Left Midfield Whitstable debut: September 2021 Whitstable Town Under 18 Kent Youth League player, who made his first team debut at Chichester in the FA Trophy
Danny Walder Age 32, Central Midfield Whitstable debut: August 2021 Previous clubs: Ramsgate, Dover Athletic, Tonbridge Angels, Herne Bay, Sheppey United, Faversham Town, Ashford United. Part of the Tonbridge team that won the Isthmian League Premier Division play-offs in 2011 Nico Cotton Age 25, Attacking Midfield Whitstable debut: August 2021 Previous clubs: Southend United, Lowestoft
Town, Lewes, Eastbourne Borough, Haywards Heath A full time professional at Southend, where he spent eight years from the age of 13 Recently moved to Kent
Gus Barnes Age 17, Striker Whitstable debut: August 2021 Whitstable Town Under 18 Kent Youth League player, who broke into the first team at the start of the 2021-22 season, playing as a wide forward Muhammed Cham Age 19, Winger or Centre Forward Whitstable debut: November 2019 Previous clubs: Whitstable Town Academy, Margate Sports A prolific goal scorer for Whitstable Town Academy and Reserve teams Had a trial with Fleetwood Town Harry Goodger Age 35, Striker Whitstable debut: August 2017 Previous clubs: Norton Sports, Newbury, Hungerford Town, Wealdstone, Faversham Town, Sittingbourne, Hollands and Blair Experienced striker who scored three goals in a short spell at Whitstable in 2017 and returned in October 2021 Harry Stannard Age 23, Striker Whitstable debut: November 2015 and rejoined for 2019-20 season Previous clubs Gillingham, Hastings United, Margate, Ramsgate Scored some memorable goals for the club and now in his second spell at the Belmont
LAST MEETING
MATCH REPORT By Bob Quinn @BobJQuinn
Pope’s penalty double puts Hastings United back on the summit
2 1 Saturday 7 March 2020
Isthmian League South East Division Attendance: 721
Two second-half Ben Pope penalties helped Hastings United turn a 0-1 deficit into a 2-1 victory against a well organised Whitstable Town. Following an even first-half of few chances, Whitstable took the lead four minutes after the
restart via Ollie Rowe’s towering header. United equalised through a penalty, awarded when Lanre Azeez was pulled back attempting to reach a corner, and took the lead via another penalty when the same player was upended. Pope dispatched both penalties to take his season’s goal tally to twenty-five. Before kick-off, the Pilot Field remembered Joe White, a great club servant and legend having both played and managed the club between 1960 and 1990. A minute’s applause rang round all four sides of the ground, enthusiastically observed and an excellent tribute to Joe and for his family. A chilly day, dry with a slight breeze, United in traditional white and Whitstable in canary yellow (on their backs, white illegible numbers!). For the third game running, United retained their starting line-up from the Burgess Hill and Sittingbourne victories. Whitstable began the game brightly, retaining possession and breaking up early United forays. Indeed, it took almost
ten minutes before United grabbed a foothold. It began with a superb long Craig Stone pass which released Daniel Ajakaiye down the left and although nothing materialised the shackles were broken. Half chances came the way of both sides. For United, Sam Adams shot narrowly over attempting to find the top corner before Pope fired an ambitious volley from thirty yards which dropped a yard wide. At the other end a clever through ball dissected the United defence for the arriving Tijan Jadama only for the ball to bounce up, hit his thigh and loop over the bar. And United were even closer to taking the lead just after the halfhour. Pope turned the ball around the corner for Ajakaiye to speed onto, the winger beat his man and swung over a dangerous cross toward the onrushing Adams. Only the slightest touch off the defender’s head took the ball away. Even so, Pope retrieved and found Adams whose lay-off allowed Pool to fire in a shot which was blocked. The half ended with neither goalkeeper having been
severely tested and Whitstable’s performance belying their league position. Half-time: Hastings United 0 – 0 Whitstable T
The second-half had barely begun when the visitors took the lead. A corner was whipped into the near post where Rowe leapt highest to thump home an emphatic header. For the next ten minutes Whitstable’s tails were up but without making inroads and as United sought parity Whitstable began to drop deeper. Then, just after the hour, Azeez made a late run toward a United corner and was abruptly pulled back. The referee pointed to the spot and although Dan Eason guessed correctly, his attempted save wasn’t enough to stop Pope’s spot-kick bringing United level. Both sides sparred as they prepared to battle out the final quarter, but with both defences coming out on top neither goalkeeper was called into action.
United’s winner arrived on seventy-three minutes. A promising move down the right ended in a cul-de-sac meaning the ball being fed all the way back to Louis Rogers. The pass out to Gary Elphick was played forward to Azeez in midfield and his clever turn and dash into the area saw him unceremoniously upended. The referee pointed to the spot again and this time Pope dispatched the penalty into the bottom corner with minimum fuss. Whitstable pushed for an equaliser winning a number of free-kicks but United’s defence stayed strong through the remainder of the game, including five minutes of added time. Full-time: Hastings United 2 – 1 Whistable T Hastings Utd : Rogers, Black, Elphick, Stone, Elliott, Ajakaiye (85’ Beale), Pope (90’ Pogue), Adams (69’ Dixon), Pool, Lovatt, Azeez (Unused subs: Mfula, Chalmers) Whitstable Town : Eason, Mackenzie, Brown, Girt, Rowe, Bryant, Ufuah, Jadama, Millbank, Etumnu (80’ Wratten), King (45’ Stannard) (Unused subs: Hards, David)
Man of the match:
Lanre Azeez. Won both of United’s penalties and was a thorn in the visitor’s side throughout, popping up left, right and centre. Tormented the defence seemingly with the ball tied to his feet.
Credit to Whitstable for their determined effort which resulted in a close-fought enjoyable game. They turned up with a positive approach, didn’t just ‘park the bus’, and may feel they did enough to leave with something. Praise also to United for their second goal. A prime example of the ‘U’s patient play, keeping possession, recycling the ball via their defence before finding a valuable gap to exploit. On this occasion winning the decisive penalty. And another fantastic number in attendance. With Ashford United losing away at VCD Athletic, the ‘U’s are propelled back to the top of the league, now three points clear and with two games in hand.
Photo: Scott White Photography
HASTINGS UNITED FOOTBALL CLUB POLICIES Ground Regulations and Customer Charter Full details of our Ground Regulations and Customer Charter are available to read at our website:
www.hastingsunited.com.
Health & Safety Hastings United Football Club takes seriously your health and safety during your visit to the TGS Pilot Field. Please note that the officers and stewards of Hastings United Football Club will enforce Ground Regulations. A copy of these regulations is posted at the entrance to each turnstile and within the ground on the wall next to the food bar. Please note that the following are offences under the Football (Offences) Act 1991, as amended: the throwing of any object within the ground without lawful authority or excuse, the chanting of anything of an indecent or racist nature: the entry onto the playing area or any adjacent area to which spectators are not generally admitted without lawful authority or excuse. Under the Sporting Events (Control of Alcohol etc.) Act 1985, the following are offences for which a person can be arrested by a police officer: attempting to enter the ground or being inside the ground whilst drunk: being in possession of any intoxicating liquor, or bottle, can or other portable container which could cause damage or personal injury when entering the ground.
ISTHMIAN LEAGUE RESPECT STATEMENT “The Isthmian Football League strongly supports the FA statement that there should be a zero tolerance approach against racism and all forms of discrimination. Accordingly any form of discriminatory abuse whether it by reason of age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion and belief, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, sex and sexual orientation or any other form of abuse will be reported to The Football Association for action by that Association.”
These include our policy on ticket and pricing, abandoned matches and our involvement in the Hastings Community.
The Club Believes Customer care starts on the inside, with a good team of staff and work ethic. Most of our staff are volunteers but the Club expect our staff to always do their best. Our staff should remain courteous even in difficult situations. The Club and its staff know they are offering a service and that they would like every customer to return. We believe that people come first when offering a service. We expect our staff to be friendly and helpful and to know their job or be able to call upon someone who is able to respond to the needs of our customers. We expect our staff to give their full attention to a customer in any situation that arises.
In Addition We expect our staff and volunteers to care about their job as this will ensure they care about our customers.
(The FA 0800 085 0508 / Kick it Out 020 7253 0162 )
We expect our staff and volunteers to treat every customer as they would like to be treated themselves.
The Isthmian League and all Member Clubs in the League are committed to promoting equality by treating people fairly and with respect, by recognising that inequalities may exist, by taking steps to address them and providing access and opportunities for all members of the community.”
We in return expect our customers to treat our volunteers and staff with respect and the Club will not tolerate any physical or verbal abused aimed at them.
HASTINGS UNITED WOMEN’S TEAM
Nicole Baitup in action
LONDON SE WOMEN’S FL DIVISION 1 SOUTH Team
P W D
L GD PTS
1
HASTINGS UNITED Women 7
6
1
0 21 19
2
A.F.C. Acorns Women
7
6
0
1 15 18
3
Herne Bay FC Women
6
5
0
1 31 15
4
Ashford United
6
4
1
1 14 13
5
Welling United FC Womens 5
3
0
2 13
9
6
Newhaven
7
3
0
4 -4
9
7
Parkwood Rangers
7
1
1
5 -11
4
8
Bexhill United
7
1
1
5 -24
4
9
Meridian
6
1
0
5 -25
3
10
Maidstone United Women
6
0
0
6 -30
0
Photo: Scott White Photography
HASTINGS UNITED WOMEN’S TEAM RESULTS & FIXTURES Date Opposition Comp RESULTS AUGUST 22 Meridian League 29 Herne Bay League SEPTEMBER 5 AFC Acorns League 12 Regents Park WFACup 19 Parkwood Rg League 26 Ashford United League OCTOBER 3 Islington Boro WFACup 10 Maidstone Utd League 17 Bexhill United League 24 Bromley WFA Cup FIXTURES NOVEMBER 7 Ashford United League 14 AFC Acorns League 21 Newhaven Sx Ch Cup 28 Newhaven League DECEMBER 12 Welling United League
H/A Result W/D/L Attd
Scorers
H H
10-0 3-1
W W
193 153
Hill 4, Heather 2, Tibble 2, Corrigan 2, Williams Heather 2, Johnson
H H A A
1-0 9-0 2-0 1-1
W W W D
TBA TBA TBA TBA
Baitup Heather 4, Johnson 3, Williams 3 Johnson 2 Relf
A H H A
2-1 5-0 1-0 0-2
W W W L
TBA 155 221 TBA
Hill 2 Sheppard, Johnson, Critchfield, Fletcher, Relf Hyland
H A H H A
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SQUADS 7.45PM TUESDAY
2 NOVEMBER 2021
HASTINGS UNITED KIT: CLARET & WHITE
vs ISTHMIAN LEAGUE SOUTH EAST
Andrew BROWN Interim Manager
WHITSTABLE TOWN KIT: YELLOW Keith McMAHON Manager
(GK) Louis ROGERS
1
REFEREE
Ollie BLACK
2
KIRSTY DOWLE
Ryan WORRALL
3
Gary ELPHICK
4
Craig STONE
5
Tom CHALMERS
6
Lloyd DAWES
7
Jack MILES
Jack DIXON
8
Tom MILLS
Ben POPE
9
Will THOMAS
(Capt) Sam ADAMS 10
Dan EASON (GK) Henry DULEY (GK) James BROWN Ollie GRAY
ASSISTANTS
JOSH LANGLEY-FINEING MARCIN INDYK
MATCH SPONSOR
Sam HASLER 11
Simon KABAMBA Jake MACKENZIE
Tom CARLTON Montrell DESLANDES
Marcus GOLDSMITH 12
Luke GRIFFITHS
Kenny POGUE 14
Leo MAZZONE
Lanre AZEEZ 15
George McILROY
Harvey GREIG 16
MATCHBALL SPONSOR
Freddie LEGG 17
BOB H
Knory SCOTT 18
Freddie OLIVER Patrick UNDERHILL Danny WALDER
Dave MARTIN 19
Nico COTTON MATCH MASCOT
ELLIS SUGGITT (6)
Gus BARNES Muhammed CHAM Harry GOODGER Harry STANNARD
THE TGS PILOT FIELD HASTINGS TN34 2AX