Breaking news: Ray resigns

The 32-year-old central defender leaves The Pilot Field just three days before the start of the new Ryman League Division One South campaign.

A statement on www.hastingsunitedfc.co.uk read: “It is with sincere regret that the club has to announce that Sean Ray has this morning offered his resignation from his role as first team manager of Hastings United, and that this has been accepted.

“The directors of the club wish to place on record their thanks for Sean’s considerable efforts and achievements for the U’s as both a player and captain and, latterly, as player/manager, not least for leading United on last season’s fantastic and unforgettable FA Cup run. Everyone at the club would also like to wish Sean all the very best for the future.

“There will be no further comment on the matter at this point in time, other than to confirm that Mark Stapley and Terry White will take charge of first team affairs for the weekend’s Ryman League Division One South opener away to Chipstead, and until further notice, while the search for a new manager gets underway.”

Ray led United to the third round of the FA Cup last season - the furthest that the present day Hastings United has ever gone in the world famous competition - but the U’s were relegated from the Ryman Premier Division in April.