Ex-Prem ace keen on United job

A Premier League footballer from the recent past is among the applicants for the managerial vacancy at Hastings United.
Jamie Crone closes down an opponent during Hastings United's 1-0 win at home to Walton Casuals on Monday night. Picture by Terry S. BlackmanJamie Crone closes down an opponent during Hastings United's 1-0 win at home to Walton Casuals on Monday night. Picture by Terry S. Blackman
Jamie Crone closes down an opponent during Hastings United's 1-0 win at home to Walton Casuals on Monday night. Picture by Terry S. Blackman

Club chairman Dave Walters says there are some very strong candidates for a post vacated by Sean Ray’s resignation last week, but is in no rush to make an appointment.

Walters said: “We’ve done some interviews, and we’ve got some other CVs and applications that have come in this week, including a fairly recent Premier League footballer.

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“There’s some really, really strong contenders which is great, but I’ve got a headache as well. The chances are there’s going to be a few people disappointed, but that’s a good problem.

“What a job for a manager to come into. I think it’s a good job at the best of times, but I think it’s a great job now. We never went into debt and we now have great financial stability.”

Mark Stapley and Terry White have taken charge of the side in a caretaker capacity over the past week, and have led United to successive 1-0 victories at the start of their Ryman Football League Division One South campaign.

“We’re not in a great hurry,” continued Walters. “I know that’s not great for the people that are applying, but we’ve not advertised the job; everybody that’s applied has approached us off their own back.

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“When you’re managerless it looks like it’s an uncertain time, but I was always relaxed. Terry and Mark are fine, and having taken maximum points and clean sheets, that’s added to the complication. They’re in the frame as well and if we can win on Saturday, everyone will be really buzzing.”

Stapley and White - assistant manager and coach respectively under Ray - are set to remain at the helm for the visit of Redhill tomorrow (Saturday). United then go to Burgess Hill Town on Tuesday.