Hastings United suffer new setback: Altendorff resigns as boss

He has stepped down after less than a year in the role, having guided them to Isthmian South East Division safety.

United said in a statement: “When David joined the club, following a poor start to the season, the objective was clear; to retain our status in the division.

"That goal was achieved with just one game remaining in the season, and we would like to place on record our appreciation for the work done by David during that period.

"We would like to thank Assistant Manager Alex Marr and First Team Coach Mark Wright for their efforts and commitment during their time at the club, and we wish them all the very best for the future.”

Altendorff said: ‘After a great deal of thought, and with a heavy heart, I have decided to step down from my position as First Team Manager of Hastings United FC.

"I would like to thank everyone connected with the club for their support during my time here. In particular, the players, staff, volunteers and fans who have shown incredible commitment and support throughout what has been a challenging period.

"I’m especially grateful to Alex, Bobbi, Josh, Dane, Rory, Mark, Justin, Pipes, Charmaine and Billy for working tirelessly behind the scenes every day for the club. Their efforts and support have meant a great deal to me personally.

"I leave feeling proud of what we were able to achieve together. The players gave absolutely everything, and I believe the spirit, resilience and togetherness shown by the group throughout difficult moments says a lot about the character within the dressing room.

"This decision has not been easy, but I feel it is the right one for me at this time.

"I believe football clubs operate best when there is strong communication, mutual trust and a clear alignment in how people work together behind the scenes. Over time, I have felt that the club and I were moving in slightly different directions in certain areas, and as a result I believe it is the right moment for both parties to move forward separately and respectfully.

"I leave with nothing but respect and appreciation for the club and its supporters, I am truly grateful for the opportunity to manage such a historic club, and I sincerely wish Hastings United and its supporters every success in the future.”

Since the 2022-23 season, United have been managed by Gary Elphick, Paul Barnes, Chris Agutter, in what was his second spell as boss, Danny Bloor, Danny Searle, Lee Carey and Altendorff. Now the hunt is on for the next boss.

They added: “The club will now begin an internal review process regarding the appointment of a new first team manager with further details to follow in the coming days.”

It comes a few days after Billy Wood resigned as manager of the women’s team . He has been replaced by Todd Seaver.

Wood said: “It’s with reluctance that I step down from the role. The commitment involved with having young children is proving more and more difficult, and this position deserves full attention, something I unfortunately cannot continue to offer on Sundays moving forward.

"I’d like to thank my staff and players for all their hard work this season, and I wish them and Todd every success for next year.”

Seavers added: “I’d like to thank the club for giving me the opportunity to step up into the management role.

"Working with Billy this season, I can see why the team has been so successful in the past, and I’m excited to be able to build on the foundations that have been put in place this season as well as continuing to develop a pathway for the talented young local players in our U18s and Academy.”

United said in a statement: “The club would like to thank Billy for his work this season with the women’s team as well as the continued work he will be carrying out at the club moving forward.

"We wish Todd every success as he leads the team into 2026-27.”