Cup legend signs new deal to carry on as skipper

Hastings United skipper Sean Ray is looking forward to extending his third spell at the Pilot Field by another season after putting pen-to-paper on a new deal for the upcoming Ryman South campaign.

As well as famously guiding the club to the third round of the FA Cup in 2013 as player-manager, the 34-year-old centre-back, pictured, has clocked up 347 appearances for the Arrows since making his debut back in August 2004.

After failing to find the net last term, the defender will also be keen to add to his tally of 42 goals for the Sussex club when the new campaign gets underway on Saturday 8 August.

Club officials have also announced that two-time former first team boss Nigel Kane has agreed to remain at the Pilot Field, returning to his erstwhile role as head of footballing development.

Assisted by his brother Norman, Kane will also manage the U21s with the side being renamed as United's development squad and set to compete once again in the Ryman U21 League South Division.

Mark Stapley has also accepted a new role as chief scout in manager Garry Wilson's backroom team having undertaken a number of managerial and coaching jobs for the U's since first joining the club in 2008, including a handful of stints as caretaker manager.

* Wilson is now looking forward to running the rule over potential players for next season during trial game on Saturday 11 July.

Players interested in taking part should email club secretary Tony Cosens with their footballing CVs at: richardcosens@btinternet.com. Selected players will be contacted with a formal invitation to attend the trial.

Image courtesy of www.hastingsunitedfc.co.uk

Follow us: @rymanleaguenews on Twitter | Ryman League group on Facebook