New head of football ops and co-chairman announced by Hastings United
Billy Wood has a new role at Hastings United – as head of football operations. And the club also has a new co-chairman, who is also a familar figure at the Pilot Field.
Wood, the former club CEO and women’s team manager, is continuing his involvement at the Pilot Field by taking on the job of overseeing the day-to-day football operations of the men’s and women’s teams.
He will working closely with the respective managers and the club’s senior development phase leadership group, who run the U16s, U18s and U23s.
The news comes days after Ronnie Dolan was named their new men’s team manager – which itself came 48 hours after David Altendorff resigned from that post.
In addition, Todd Seaver has recently taken the job of managing the womens team after Wood stood down.
United said a core focus alongside on-field success for the senior sides would be strengthening the pathway for young players and providing opportunities for them to gain exposure in a demanding senior football environment.
Wood’s history with the club is well documented. During his time as CEO, Hastings United enjoyed significant success, including winning the Isthmian League South East Division title, the Isthmian U23 Champion of Champions competition, the U23 Sussex Cup and the Sussex County Women’s Premier Division.
The role will also see Wood work closely with club volunteer Adam Smith, who looks after the website and social media. This will ensure that communication with supporters through these outlets on all ‘on the field’ footballing matters is made available as quickly as possible.
Wood said: “I would like to thank the owners for the faith they have shown in me to lead such an important part of our club once again.
“As Head of Football Operations I am determined to ensure that Hastings United’s core values are embedded throughout our football operation and upheld at every level. Those foundations will be key to achieving future success during what is a pivotal period for the club, both on and off the pitch.”
The club said: “We look forward to working with Billy as he continues to help drive the development and success of Hastings United Football Club.”
In a further appointment, Club President and Director David Ormerod has accepted the offer of becoming co-Chairman alongside Dean White.
He has a long history with the club having held many voluntary roles since he first started watching the Us in the mid 1960s as well as becoming the club owner in 2015.
Ormerod said: “It is an honour to be asked by the owners to become Co-Chairman of my club, Hastings United. I have been going to the Pilot Field as a supporter since 1966 and I am very much looking forward to the future and helping the club as much as I can‘."
In addition to many other jobs he carries out for the club, Ormerod will be providing updates for supporters on various club matters through Tom Dyson’s club bulletin which is emailed out every month – as well as joining club volunteer Bob Hodgson in the boardroom to host the Hastings United Fans’ Focus Group that meet on a regular basis throughout the season before home matches.
The Fans’ Focus Group includes an Inclusive and disability sub-group and has been in place for a couple of seasons giving an opportunity for supporters to ask questions, raise concerns and discuss issues directly with club representatives.
Anyone wishing to sign up to receive the monthly club bulletin or attend the Fans’ Focus Group’s meetings should email [email protected]