Maggs is new Hastings boss

John Maggs is the new manager of Hastings United, according to the football club’s website.
New Hastings United manager John MaggsNew Hastings United manager John Maggs
New Hastings United manager John Maggs

Maggs was appointed today (Sunday) to fill the vacancy created by Sean Ray’s resignation on August 7. He takes over a United side lying second in Ryman Football League Division One South with 13 points from a possible 15.

As reported by www.hastingsunitedfc.co.uk, Maggs should require little by way of introduction to Sussex based non-league supporters, after a playing and managerial career that has spanned over fifty years, and that was recognised by the award of the Football Association Medal in March 2013.

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At the time, he was coming towards the end of a twelve month spell in charge at Crawley Down Gatwick, having initially joined the Anvils as assistant manager in the summer of 2011, helping them reach the final of the Sussex Senior Cup for the first time.

In his playing days, Maggs was a one time England Schoolboys International goalkeeper of great renown, joining Crawley Town in 1963 and going on to set the West Sussex side’s all-time appearance record with over 700 to his credit. Seven years after retiring as a player, he stepped up to manage the Reds in 1987 and stayed at the helm for thirteen seasons, combining his duties with those of club chairman towards the end of his tenure.

After thirty-seven years at Town Mead, Maggs moved on to Horsham, where he spent the next eleven seasons, leading the Hornets to two promotions and to the second round of the FA Cup in 2007. Financial issues arising from the sale of the club’s former Queen Street ground eventually led to Maggs’ departure, and since his two year stint at Crawley Down ended, he has occupied a General Manager position for Tonbridge Angels.

Maggs will begin the latest chapter of a wonderful career as United welcome Ramsgate to the Pilot Field for a league fixture tomorrow, five days before the two teams meet again in the preliminary round of this season’s FA Cup. He takes control of a side sitting second in the table, with four wins and a draw from their opening five matches under the admirable caretaker stewardship of Terry White and Mark Stapley.

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Commenting on the new appointment, U’s Chairman Dave Walters said: “We are delighted to have secured the services of such an experienced and well respected manager as John, and are looking forward to working with him and to taking the Club forward. Terry and Mark have done a great job in their caretaker capacity, for which we thank them sincerely, and we are hoping that both will stay on to work within the new set-up.”