This is a terrible day for the club - Hastings United chief reacts to promotion being denied

United led the Isthmian south east division with ten games to go but the FA has ruled that the season is terminated for clubs at non-league step three and lower and all results are expunged.

Hastings are one of a number of clubs across Sussex denied the prize they were likely to claim and Wood said: "Absolutely gutted to get the news the FA have decided to expunge the football season for teams from Step 3-6 in the Non League System.

"This means that Hastings United will not be promoted after a season of being top of the league with 10 games to go, with only two losses and a clear Points Per Game ratio over everyone in the league.

"It’s a terrible day for the Board, the Manager, all the coaching staff, the players, the club staff, the volunteers and the supporters who have turned up in numbers making HUFC a hugely supported non league club.

"We would like to thank everyone that’s been part of it, even a little share on social media as we really transformed this football club.

"Deflated today on the eve of my birthday BUT more determined than ever with our towns club. We will achieve what we want to achieve, this is a marathon, not a sprint!

"Hastings United will regroup, we have sold record season ticket numbers for 2020/21 and I truly hope the town get behind us as we look to put the wrongs right and deliver what our team did this season, BUT WITH REWARD!

"As soon as we can we will open up those gates and celebrate what we achieved this year, the FA may deem what we done this year as null and void but we don’t!"

Wood listed some of the season's highlights. In his words they were...

- Worrall’s 25 yarder as we come back and beat Sevenoaks at home

- Davide scoring 8 and breaking the modern club record

- Super Sammy’s hat-trick

- the Sevenoaks away comeback

- The FA Trophy run that allowed me to visit a ground close to my late granddad’s heart (Weymouth)

- Shirts off at away games (not me, you supporters)

He added: "Every obstacle presents an opportunity. This club is the most United it’s either been... DON’T LOSE THE FAITH. COYU."