Why double departure can be GOOD news for Hastings United

Benn Ward has swapped Hastings for Burnley / Image: Hastings Utd FC

Ten days after 16-year-old Benn Ward joined Burnley’s academy, Davide Rodari signed for League Two Crawley – then made his debut as a sub in their FA Cup defeat at AFC Bournemouth.

Although he has lost two players who were important to United, Agutter says it’s great to see young stars get their chance to move higher – and insists the transfers show The Pilot Field in the place to play for young players with high ambitions.

Agutter, who we revealed last week had signed a new deal to keep him at the club until 2023, said: “We have seen Benn go to Burnley – where Tom Chalmers has also been on trial – and Davide go to Crawley, and there have been others who have left us to go to higher leagues.

Davide Rodari gets used to life at Crawley / Picture: Crawley Town FC

“It tells a story. Although each one is a big loss, it gives us a great opportunity to attract young players to the club.

“I think the attitude to player development in non-league has changed. People in the pro game can see more and more that clubs like this can turn out very good players.”

Agutter said both midfielder Ward and striker Rodari had a hunger to succeed and deserved their moves.

“Benn made his first-team debut for us in pre-season and has shown himself to be very coachable. He works hard and listens and has got himself in good physical condition.He made a big impact here.

Benn's a Burnley boy now “And I’m so pleased for Davide. When he came to us from Eastbourne Borough it was always with a view to us helping him become a pro.

“Davide has worked so hard to achieve this dream and if anyone deserves it, he does. I’m delighted we have been able to help another local young man push on.”

Agutter joked that he didn’t want to lose too many more of his squad to bigger clubs just yet. And now he and his players are waiting to see how the season will be concluded.

Agutter said he couldn’t see why ANY club would not back Project Non League, which would reward teams who deserved promotion and allow a long-awaited resstructure of the non-league pyramid to go ahead.