Hastings United begin search for new manager after Chris Agutter's shock resignation

HASTINGS UNITED chairman Billy Wood says he feels shocked and saddened that his manager Chris Agutter handed in his resignation following a meeting on Sunday night.

Agutter joined the club in 2017, initially as assistant manager and went on to be appointed first-team manager following the departure of Adam Hinshelwood.

“Chris approached me Sunday for a meeting and when we met Sunday night he offered his immediate resignation from the role with the feeling he wants a new challenge, a challenge he doesn’t think the job at Hastings United offers anymore,” Wood said in a statement, which was posted on the club website.

“Whilst shocked and saddened by his decision, the club respects his position and have stood him down from his management duties.

“Chris has been a fantastic manager in his time in the role and I am proud of our record over the past three seasons.

“Most importantly the club comes first and we will make sure the staff are supported this week with two league fixtures.

“The goals of the club do not change and the belief in our squad remains the same.  Tuesday night let’s get right behind our team like each and every one of them deserve.”

Assistant manager Andrew Brown will take over managerial duties in an interim basis, starting with their home game against Keith McMahon’s Whitstable Town tomorrow night.

Hastings United are in seventh-place in the Isthmian League South East Division table with 16 points from eight league games, four points adrift of the play-offs.

Tommy Warrilow’s Ashford United came away from The Pilot Field with a 3-1 win last Tuesday, before Hastings United were knocked out of The FA Trophy at the weekend, losing the Third Qualifying Round tie 3-1 at home to Felixstowe & Walton United.

Whitstable Town, meanwhile, arrive at The Pilot Field second-from-bottom in the table with five points from 10 games.

Visit Hastings United’s website:  www.hastingsunited.com