Gary Elphick lands Hastings United player-managers job

HASTINGS UNITED have appointed from within by giving the managers job to centre-half Gary Elphick.

The Pilot Field outfit lost the services of Chris Agutter, who stepped down from the role on 1 November.

Ephick, 36, will remain a player and will be assisted by Andrew Brown and first-team coach Jon Meeney, who was joint-manager with Elphick at Worthing.

“I’ve become very fond of Hastings United from my time as a player and I am looking forward to this opportunity of management again,” Elphick told the club website.

“I wish to continue from the good work Chris Agutter has done at the club in recent seasons, the foundations have been laid and it’s up to myself and the staff to get the best out of the players for progression to resume.

“I will continue playing this season, so I have bought Jon Meeney to the club to help assistant Andrew Brown with training and match day duties. Jon will be key and I’ve also experienced success with him at Worthing in a similar situation. He will add energy, knowledge and I look forward to working alongside him again.

Chairman Billy Wood added: “I am delighted to appoint Gary Elphick as the new manager of Hastings United.

“He knows the club, knows what we are about on and off the pitch and with the addition of Jon Meeney it feels exciting and fresh.

“Gary made it very clear how important Andrew Brown is to his vision and it’s something the club wholeheartedly agree with.

“We thank Browny for taking the team in the interim and whilst full faith was installed in him at this time continuing in the role of assistant manager suits both the individual and the club perfectly.”

Hastings United have been underperforming in the Isthmian League South East Division this campaign and sit in seventh-place in the table having picked up 19 points (six wins and a draw) from their 10 league games.

Hastings United are four points adrift of Herne Bay, who occupy the final play-off berth but they do have a game in hand on Ben Smith’s side.

Elphick’s first game in charge is on Saturday when league leaders Cray Valley (Paper Mills) visit The Pilot Field.

Kevin Watson’s men have collected 29 points from their 12 league games and are one point clear of Haywards Heath Town.

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