Key defender gives Hastings United a boost for 2020-21 season

As the club continue their legal fight over this season's results being expunged, planning has to start for next season - and Elphick committing to the cause is a big step in the right direction.

Elphick joined Hastings from Burgess Hill in the spring of 2018 and immediately shored up the defence. This season he was part of a Hastings side which conceded just 21 goals in 28 games - by far the best record of any team in the Isthmian south east division - before the campaign was cut short by the coronavirus pandemic with Hastings three points clear at the top.

A club statement said: "We are extremely delighted to confirm that Gary Elphick has committed to Hastings United for next season. Gary has become a cult hero to the supporters of the Us and was happy to publicly commit to our continued desire to climb up the football pyramid."

Elphick said: "It was never in doubt in my mind I was going to commit again to the Us. My target when I first signed was promotion and unfortunately due to unforeseen circumstances it hasn't happened this year, when we looked on course to do so.

"I want to have a helping hand in making the team and club progress and i'll do my upmost in making that happen. The club have been first class since I signed and it's a joy week to week to play with the current players, the staff and the supporters.

"Also I've got to have an eye when I finish playing. With the manager and staff we have in place not only are they getting the best out of me on the pitch but I am learning a lot off it. This plays a part in me staying at The Pilot Field."

Us manager Chris Agutter said: "Leaders like Gary are few and far between, his influence on and off the field at Hastings United can't be under-estimated.

"Since he signed our defensive record has been exceptional, he truly is a man mountain for us. Gary is a role model for the young developing players very much in the same mould as club legend Sammy Adams, honest, hard working and committed."

Elphick is well-known at clubs across Sussex. He had represented Brighton & Hove Albion, Eastbourne Borough twice, Lewes, Worthing and Burgess Hill before his Hastings United move.

His brother Tommy has played for Brighton, Bognor, AFC Bournemouth, Aston Villa, Reading and Hull and is now at Huddersfield Town.

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