Another week - another two stars commit to Hastings United

Goalkeeper Louis Rogers is the latest Pilot Field star to extend his stay with the Us and commit to being part of the 2020-21 squad - while young prospect Tom Chalmers has followed suit.

Their new deals follow news that Gary Elphick, Ben Pope, Sam Adams, Jack Dixon, Ollie Black and Max Walsh have all signed for the new campaign.

Rogers was in phenomenal form in the 2019-20 season picking up two accolades at the end of season awards (Directors' Player and John Collins Magic Moment Trophy) plus more than once picking up the Isthmian League Golden Glove monthly award.

Rogers said: “I can’t wait to get back into it and win the league properly. The progress the club has made on and off the pitch over the year shows it’s going in the right direction.

"Everyone works hard, from the groundsman working around the clock to everyone working in the bar, around the ground and in the office and it makes us want to achieve more.

"I am buzzing to get back with the boys again after such a successful last season playing proper football and I am sure everyone will be doing their point to earn three points every week! COYU!”

Manager Chris Agutter added: “I am delighted Louis will be with us once again for the up and coming season. He was a key part of the team that didn’t give much away at all last season, Louis represents something that has been a key part of my time here at the club, and that’s continuity. Louis staying reflects that.”

CEO Billy Wood said: "The directors player of the year, one of the stand-outs of the 2019/20 season and all in all a good lad who wants to win for this club. Louis is at Hastings United for all the right reasons and another player who has developed into his ability under the guidance of our boss, Chris Agutter.

"This announcement is another signal of intent that our squad is not only coming together for next season but everyone signing has one goal in mind, winning the league.”

Rogers' contract extension follows news the club have also secured the services of promising youngster Tom Chalmers for 20-21.

Chalmers has committed his immediate future with Hastings United and will be part of the first-team squad. He broke into the senior set-up in the 19-20 season, making 13 appearances and scoring four goals, making his debut at just 17.

Chalmers said: “I am happy to be staying in a great team with great ambitions. I will be pushing hard to get as many minutes as possible and I hope I can help the club finish what we started last season. I will work hard for this club to achieve that!”

Agutter said: “I am really excited to see TC’s progression over the coming season. He has already demonstrated that he is able to make a significant impact at first team level and it’s now my responsibility to make sure he is given the opportunities to continue to deliver for the club as long as he continues to work hard for the team.”

Wood added: “TC is a very exciting young player, a class act at such a young age but at the same time just having talent is not enough. In the past year I have paid a lot of attention to his individual development and his work ethic is the reason why he is pushing forward the way he is at such a young age!

"You sometimes forget Tom is just 17 but with the coaching team around him, the experienced players he will be around more and with a mentor like Chris Agutter, Tom has the opportunity to carve out his own exciting future in football.

"As a club we are excited by another young local lad pushing through and it’s imperative he keeps his head down, works hard and progresses with the talent he has at his disposal. Hastings United talent committed to moving this club forward!”