United boss finds Adams replacement

The Hastings United manager has already signed Freddie Foreman, who played for Lewes in the Blue Square Bet Premier in 2008/09 and was on the periphery of the Eastbourne Borough first team last term.

He said: “He’s a (Teddy) Sheringham type player. He’s a cultured footballer. He’s not going to run around and smash tackles, but he’s very comfortable in possession and from dead ball situations he’s absolutely fantastic.”

Hopkinson plans to play Foreman in and around Kenny Pogue, who looks set to be the focal point of the attack just two seasons on from playing in Sussex Division Two for Sidley United and three after lining-up in the East Sussex League for Nelson Tigers.

“We’re going into the start of the season probably heavily reliant on Kenny,” admitted Hopkinson. “Kenny’s never been coached so we’ve got some work to do improving his movement and improving his aerial ability, but there’s nothing to worry about in terms of his attitude and application.”

Josh Willis has put pen to paper and is expected to at least begin the season as Hopkinson’s number one, while defender Rhys Whyborne has also committed himself.

Hopkinson says he is almost there with his squad building, although he is still casting his eye over several players, including Russell Eldridge and former Hastings winger Antonio Gonnella.

The manager added: “We’re looking okay. The midfield I’m very, very comfortable with and the togetherness is there already. We’ve got a team of lads who want to win and want to do well.”