Hastings United issue message to fans after big Pilot Field return

Hastings United have told their returning fans: It’s great to have you back – and we can’t wait to welcome more of you soon.
United fans were delighted to be back in the ground / Picture: Scott WhiteUnited fans were delighted to be back in the ground / Picture: Scott White
United fans were delighted to be back in the ground / Picture: Scott White

The club were quick to react to last weekend’s relaxation of rules that meant non-league football matches could welcome fans back to grounds.

Hastings allowed 200 supporters into Saturday’s pre-season friendly against Folkestone – and would have had twice that many had higher numbers been permitted. There’ll be another sell-out crowd for a Hastings Women’s friendly against Herne Bay this Sunday afternoon.

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And a crowd of 400 is set to be allowed when the men’s team kick off their competitive season with an FA Cup tie, also against Herne Bay.

Don't miss a picture special on the return of fans to the Pilot Field in the Hastings Observer - out now

Club CEO Billy Wood said the day the fans came back was one to savour for all concerned – although it did have one sour note.

He told us: “It was amazing to have the fans back in the ground. It felt surreal in a way to be back – at football, at The Pilot Field, with supporters there.

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“It was lovely to be able to connect with all the people we’ve missed.

“So many people wanted to come, having been away for five months, and we could have had 200 or 300 more but for the limit on numbers.

“The desire for people to see live football again is so strong – that’s shown by the fact we’ve sold 300 season tickets.

“The downside of the day was that some people turned up who we couldn’t let in. That was the sour note, but hopefully we will gradually be able to let more people in and eventually there will be no limit.”

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Wood said it was astounding that Sunday’s women’s friendly had sold out, showing the appetite in the town for a women’s side.

He said the organisation that went into last Saturday’s first game with fans was extensive and the day ran smoothly as a result.

Clubs have to take details of all spectators and make sure social distancing rules are being followed as closely as possible.

Wood added: “Credit to our directors, staff and volunteers for making it work.

“We’re a family at Hastings and it’s been an incredibly testing five months for everyone. Saturday was a sign we are getting back to normal and it was fantastic.”