For Hastings United's squad, it's all about unfinished business

The majority of the squad who took United so close to promotion from the Isthmian premier division in 2019-20 have committed to the club for the new campaign.

Agutter said around a dozen players were already on board for the fresh title bid and a couple of new additions would be announced very soon.

The latest to sign on for 20-21 are keeper Louis Rogers, academy prospect Tom Chalmers and versatile Kenny Pogue.

They follow Gary Elphick, Sam Adams, Ben Pope, Jack Dixon and Ollie Black in having rejoined from last season’s squad, while ex-Dartford forward Max Walsh has been added to the squad.

Hastings are well ahead of many clubs in finalising their 20-21 line-up and Agutter, who revealed his backroom and coaching team would also remain in place, is content.

“I’m very happy with progress. I think there’s a general feeling of unfinished business and that’s why so many players have been quick to rejoin.

“In addition to those the club have announced, Kenny Pogue has agreed to stay for another season. He’s a valuable member of the squad. He plays up front but can also play wide and is one of those centre-forwards who can play at centre-half.

“I want to go into pre-season knowing what my squad is, not still scratching around for players.

“This will be my third full season here and I’d say this will be the best-balanced squad I’ve had at Hastings.”

Until this week there was a faint hope Hastings’ charge to the top of the Isthmian premier would not be declared null and void. But a court challenge by South Shields FC over the FA’s decision to write off the season for non-league steps three and below has now been defeated.

Agutter said: “We’ve been preparing for being back in the same division but had it turned out we’d been able to go up, I think we have a squad who could have competed.”

Keeper Rogers and teenager Chalmers have spoken of their delight at signing new deals.

Rogers, who picked up two gongs at the end-of-season awards, 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 and it makes us want to achieve more.”

Chalmers broke into the first team in the 19-20 season, making 13 appearances afer a debut as a 17-year-old.

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.”