Hastings chief: New lockdown is just an obstacle

Hastings United chief Billy Wood says he couldn’t be happier with how the club’s season has gone so far – and the new lockdown is no more than an obstacle.
Billy Wood, Hastings CEOBilly Wood, Hastings CEO
Billy Wood, Hastings CEO

The enforced month’s break began as United’s men’s and women’s side were rattling along nicely in league and cup competitions.

But although Wood says Lockdown Mk II is frustrating, the trick is to see it as an obstable which will make success all the sweeter when it comes.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Wood has been delighted at the progress Chris Agutter’s side have made in their attempt to emulate last season’s success and win the Isthmian south east title. They are a point clear at the top after an unbeaten start.

But Wood is equally made up by the efforts of the new women’s team – flying in their league and in two cup quarter-finals, now under the watchful eye of acting head coach Andy Corrigan after Amy Sinden stepped down.

Add to that the number of people wanting to watch games, and the hard work being put in off the pitch by everyone at The Pilot Field, and Wood is proud of the club’s all-round progress.

“Across the club, the season couldn’t have started better,” Wood told the Observer.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“With the men’s team, results speak for themselves. The only game we’ve lost was to a National League team in the FA Cup, and that was on penalties.

“Everyone came back for this season not so much expecting another successful campaign but prepared for it. And knowing as I do the attitude and professionalism of everyone involved, it hasn’t surprised me.

“Our women’s team are also unbeaten in their league and are in the last eight of the Sussex Challenge Trophy and League Cup. It’s not rash to say that with the team we have, we could probably be competing a couple of leagues higher.”

Hastings have frequently been drawing crowds of 400 – the maximum they are currently allowed – to The Pilot Field, and Wood said many games could have attracted twice as many supporters.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

He said he hoped the current lockdown ended promptly in early December and, in time, many more fans could be admitted.

“Every great success has an obstacle but it’s how you treat the obstable and whether it can make the ultimate success sweeter,” he said.

“We want to come back stronger after this lockdown, on and off the pitch.”