Hastings appoint from within

Hastings United last night announced that their replacement for Chris Agutter, who departed last week, is veteran defender Gary Elphick- and that, along with Assistant Andrew Brown, Gary will have another able deputy in Jon Meeney, who comes in as first team coach.

Jon and Gary, as you may recall, were joint managers at Worthing when the Mackerel Men gained promotion to the Isthmian Premier- via the playoffs- back in 2016.

Gary told the club website:

“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. 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. Andrew Brown and the rest of the club staff will continue with their current roles, which is testament to them and shows the belief I have in them continue with the success we’ve had in recent seasons."

Gary joined the club as a player back in March 2019, after leaving Burgess Hill Town. He has made thirteen appearances this season, weighing in with three goals, and has made sixty five club appearances in total if our maths are correct.

His time as manager at Worthing came to an end in September 2017- he became sole manager after Meeney moved on the previous April. His departure came at a time when the Mackerel Men were temporarily sharing with local rivals Bognor Regis Town due to pitch problems at Woodside Road.

He previously played for the likes of Brighton & Hove Albion, St Albans City, Eastbourne Borough and Tonbridge Angels.

Image courtesy of the club.