Ray's exit sees duo installed

Mark Stapley and Terry White are set to take charge of Hastings United on Saturday when the Arrows kick off the new Ryman League campaign at Chipstead following the decision of former manager Sean Ray to quit.

Ray, 31, who led the Arrows to FA Cup glory last season, offered his resignation as player-manager on Wednesday. As the search got underway to find his replacement, the Ryman South club confirmed that joint assistant managers Stapley and White would hold the fort at Pilot Field.

In a statement posted of the club's website, United thanked Ray, pictured, for his services and confirmed their temporary management team.

The Arrows said: "The Directors of the club wish to place on record their thanks for Ray's considerable efforts and achievements for the U's as both a player and captain and, latterly, as player-manager, not least for leading United on last season's fantastic and unforgettable FA Cup run.

"There will be no further comment on the matter at this point in time, other than to confirm that Mark Stapley and Terry White will take charge of first-team affairs for the weekend's league opener away to Chipstead, and until further notice, while the search for a new manager gets underway."