Andrews takes pride in Hailsham FC as he moves on

Ben Andrews has made what he describes as a difficult decision to leave Hailsham Town after a successful season.

Andrews gave the Stringers a boost in the season just finished, helping both the first team and the under-23s do well. As Hailsham look for a replacement, Andrews is set to move on to a different club.

Andrews has had an unusual football 'journey' . His playing career was cut short aged 15, which led him into coaching. He started by assisting as a goalkeeping coach at a small goalkeeping school in Seaford which he now runs.

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Aged 16 he started coaching at a grassroots team called Premier United, He coaches weekly at their soccer school and manages the under-16s. Andrews also assisted Dean Lightwood (Crawley Town's first team GK coach) with various youth sessions in Sussex.

Andrews took his first step into men’s football at county league level at the start of this season and joined Hailsham as a goalkeeping coach.

Andrews takes up the story: "A couple of weeks into the season I was asked to assist Kevin Roberts (first-team manager) and be Hailsham's assistant manager. In December I was appointed under-23s manager.

"The next day we played Bexhill away and won 3-1, and we went on a unbeaten run. For a team sitting second from bottom, we had no right to compete with the big boys in the league. It was at this point I believe people started to notice what I can do.

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"The reason for the success of the under-23s was the players, they got on board with the way I wanted to play, and the things I wanted to do.

"I believe we would have finished sixth and had a cup run if the season hadn't been drawn to a close so early. The players were the reason for the success, but it's funny how the same players were not achieving the great things they did before."

Andrews said of his decision to leave Hailsham Town: "It wasn’t easy, it was a choice between staying within what I know or pushing myself.

"I encourage any player to play at the highest level you can and I just had to stick with what I preach. The players and club know my reason for leaving and fully supported me and didn’t hold me back, which made it a lot easier for me.

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"There is a great group of young players there and I wish every single one of them every bit of success for the future. Hailsham have some real home grown talent, and living in Hailsham, that makes me proud."

Hailsham Town tweeted after Andrews left: "All the best Ben, you have been an asset to the club and I'm glad you have enjoyed your time with us. Come and see us any time."

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