Captain Carey set to depart

Lee Carey in the thick of the action during Hastings United's FA Cup second round tie away to Harrogate Town last season. Picture courtesy Gerard Binks

Carey has expressed his disappointment at United’s relegation from the Premier Division at the end of last season and was expected to inform player-manager Sean Ray of his decision at some point over the past 36 hours.

“There are some offers on the table for me from elsewhere,” Carey admitted. “It’s purely down to personal ambition, but I don’t want to play in the Ryman South. I felt we were too good to go down last season, but the table obviously doesn’t lie; it was very disappointing.”

Carey’s anticipated decision will come as a blow to Ray, who was extremely keen to retain the ballplaying midfielder’s services. Ray is still hopeful midfielder Tom Vickers and goalkeeper Matt Armstrong-Ford will stay at The Pilot Field, however both are away at present and decisions will be made when they return.

Should he move on, Carey will be joined out the exit door by forward Zac Attwood, who has gone to Margate - the club full-back Elliott Cox is also expected to sign for. Attacking player Dee Okojie has joined Kingstonian.

On the plus side, the club has announced the signing of combative midfielder Tim Olorunda from Maidstone United, while striker Bailo Camara and defender Jono Richardson will be staying on.

United will begin their pre-season friendlies with a visit from a Brighton & Hove Albion under-21 and development centre squad on Tuesday July 9, kick-off 7.45pm.

See today’s Hastings Observer for the full article.