Hastings United retain the services of manager Chris Agutter until 2021: It’s important we have the right captain steering the ship

HASTINGS UNITED manager Chris Agutter has extended his contract with the club until the end of next season.

The Pilot Field club are four points clear at the top of the Isthmian League South East Division table, losing one of their 16 league games and with 35 points on the board.

“I am pleased to look forward to at least another season with the club,” said the highly-rated Agutter, in a club statement.

“Myself and the staff will be trying our best to continue to move Hastings United in a positive direction.

“The project that we undertook just over two years ago has had some lows but I believe they are far outweighed by the highs and I know that with continued hard work and ambition on and off the field we can help bring more memorable moments to Hastings United Football Club.”

Chief executive officer, Billy Wood, added: “I am thrilled to be able to announce that Chris will be with us for the foreseeable future.

“Over the past few months it’s been a pleasure to work with a very like-minded individual, someone who believes in creating the right culture alongside a huge will to win.

“I am delighted to be working with someone I respect and admire and believe we are on the cusp of creating memories for our town. It’s important we have the right captain steering the ship.”

Director of football Dean White added: “Since I brought Chris to the club three years ago, initially to help oversee the Academy, he has played a huge part in both the football culture and philosophy that we want to promote and continue to develop at Hastings United.

“After taking over the reigns as first team manager Chris has shown faith and given opportunity to many of our hard working and talented local young players whilst gradually implementing his own attractive and more importantly successful playing style on the first team which is now being introduced into our younger age groups within the Academy.

“Consistency is so important if you want to be successful long term and I believe Chris is now the longest serving manager that the club has had over the last 15 years which is credit to him and his staff.

“The expectation and focus is very much promotion this season and extending Chris's contract at this time is a further statement of intent from the club in terms of rewarding him for his excellent work and maintaining stability moving forward.”

Hastings United welcome Herne Bay to The Pilot Field on Friday night (19:45).

Ben Smith’s side are in eighth-place in the league table, having picked up 24 points from 15 games and a win down on the East Sussex coast will take them into the play-off zone.

Visit Hastings United’s website: www.hastingsunited.com