Impressed: Dolan delighted as Hastings United players hit ground running
Ronnie Dolan has welcomed his Hastings United players back to pre-season training – and says he is delighted by how sharp they are already looking.
A group of 18 were at Dolan’s first session since he took over as United manager and the boss says there’s a good feeling in the camp as plans for the new Isthmian South East season come together.
Hastings have made five new signings so far and retained a number of players from last term as Dolan, with his backroom team of Sam Adams, Trevor McCreadie, Luke Carter and strength and conditioning coach Bobbi-Jay Deegan, look to set up a squad capable of doing well in 2026-27.
As reported, this is former Hastings midfielder Dolan’s first job in management, coming after a decade as a player with Folkestone Invicta which culminated in them winning the Isthmian Premier title.
He said he and his backroom team all had a winning mentality they aimed to bring to the club.
Dolan said the five new signings – with Delwin Duah and Sonny Walsh joined in the past 10 days or so by midfielder Sam King, keeper Harry Haines and utility man Matty Astle – added different qualities to the squad. And he said there was more business to be done.
“We'll have a few more. It doesn't all happen at once and I don't want it to,” he said. “You don't want to be in a situation where you miss out on someone who does come available.
“The boys we've kept, I think they're all in their early 20s. And so are the boys we have brought in, but they've played at a good level of football, they've played at step four. And Harry has come from a higher-level club, Bromley.”
Dolan said of Tuesday’s first pre-season session: “It was a good standard – higher than expected for the first one. You never know how it's going to go but it looks like everyone's been off doing their own things to stay fit.
“Everyone was coming in sharp, and when we were doing ball work, everyone was looking in a good place – I was pretty impressed.
“When we spoke afterwards, Sammy [Adams], I think, was a little bit shocked at how well it went for the first session.”
United go to Haywards Heath a week tomorrow for their first friendly.
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NEW TRIO ADD DIFFERENT QUALITIES
Hastings United’s latest trio of recruits bring a bit of everything to the Pilot Field squad, writes Steve Bone.
Sam King, 25, has joined from South Park and is described as a combative midfielder who has made more than 160 appearances at step four, soring 39 goals.
King said: “I’m buzzing to have signed for Hastings and can’t wait to get started. It’s a great opportunity for me, and I’m looking forward to meeting all the lads and the fans.”
Keeper Harry Haines has arrived from Bromley after spending the latter part of last season on loan with the U’s.
Haines said: “I’m delighted to sign. It’s a massive club with a great history, passionate fans and big ambitions. I can’t wait to wear the badge again and give everything for the team and the fans.”
Matty Astle has been signed from Peacehaven & Telscombe after helping them win promotion via the play-offs from the SCFL to the Isthmian SE.
He said: “I’m buzzing to be here and to sign for a club of this size. I’m ready to give everything for this club. I can’t wait to see the fans.”
The three follow Sonny Walsh and Delwin Duah in the door, while midfielder Fin Chapman has signed a new deal.