Hastings squad building continues

Sam Adams and Sam Cruttwell have agreed to remain with United for the 2015/16 campaign, while Jack Harris, Max Hollobone and Sam Crabb have joined the club from elsewhere.

A deal has also been agreed with Sean Ray and the central defender who captained United at the end of last term is expected to sign this evening (Friday).

With Sam Cole, Josh Pelling, Ollie Rowe and Jack Walder having committed themselves last week, United’s squad is now really taking shape ahead of pre-season training getting under way on Saturday July 4.

Attacking midfielder Adams was United’s 13-goal leading scorer last term and the 28-year-old now has 103 goals in 387 career appearances for the club.

United manager Garry Wilson revealed that he has always been an admirer of Adams and that he tried to sign the player in the past.

Eighteen-year-old Cruttwell, who can at full-back or in midfield, made 39 appearances last season, contributing one goal and six assists.

Of the newcomers, Crabb is an attacking player whose previous clubs include Eastbourne United, Whitehawk, Eastbourne Town, Rye United and Lewes.

Hollobone is a young midfielder or full-back who was voted supporters’ player of the year at Eastbourne Town last season.

Harris is a 21-year-old striker who began last term with Maidstone United before joining Faversham Town. He previously played for Tunbridge Wells in the 2013 FA Vase final at Wembley.

“He’s a player that I’ve tracked for a number of years,” said Wilson, who mentioned last week that bringing in a forward was a priority. “It’s one I’ve always liked, always fancied.

“He’s young, he’s big, he’s quick, he scores goals and he’s got a bit of everything. He’s a real threat up top.”

Off the field, John Masters is set to retain his role as goalkeeping coach, while Dane Martin is staying with the club as physio.

The pre-season friendly at home to Whitehawk has been brought forward a week to Saturday July 25.

* HASTINGS United are on the hunt for additional stewards for next season.

The U’s require a boardroom steward and matchday stewards for their 2015/16 home matches.

Anybody interested should call club safety officer Allan Duffy on 07754 268680 or email [email protected]

* THE Hastings United Supporters’ Club is holding a quiz night on Friday June 26. The quiz is open to teams of four at a cost of £10.

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