Hastings begin search for new boss

Club chairman David Walters does not want to rush into an appointment just for the sake of it. "It's long-term, I've got to get the decision right now," he said. "What I won't do is get the wrong guy in."

The club will advertise the position in the national Non-League newspaper, but the football grapevine has been buzzing since the weekend. "There has already been a response. I've got two interviews lined up before the weekend so that's encouraging," Walters revealed.

Lovell's former assistant Vince Moorton and Walters will continue to take charge of the team for the home Ryman Division One match against Croydon on Saturday November 27.

Hastings are thought to be going for a more local manager after Lovell was criticised in some circles for bringing in players from his Kent base. "In an ideal world that's what I would like," Walters went on. "The beauty of it is I can hold the fort with Vinny until such time as we need to so we are in quite a good position."

One person who won't be doing the job is Walters himself despite rumours to the contrary. "I have absolutely no intention of doing it despite what conclusions people are jumping to."

Lovell announced his resignation immediately after the 4-3 defeat at home to bottom-of-the-table Newport IoW and claimed he couldn't work at a club where he wasn't backed 100 per cent.

The experienced former Wales international was furious at comments made by supporters' club chairman Robin Powell in the official match programme which criticised the players' commitment. He said: "I've got a lot of respect for the people within the club but there are certain people who have not been with me and those people know who they are.

"Dave Walters has been magnificent but I've done this because I love Hastings United Football Club. I'd rather let someone else come in. I think I need a new challenge."

It was later confirmed that the programme would not be running any more reports from Powell. "Certain things were printed in last week's programme which were unacceptable," Walters said. "There's a time and a place."

A run of one win in eight matches would also have had a large say in Lovell's decision to step down. Hastings were expected to be challenging but after a bright start which saw them rise to second in Ryman Division One, they slipped down the table. At the same time attendances have dropped to around the 200 mark and it appears Lovell jumped before he was pushed.

Walters said: "I've got a lot of respect for Steve, I think he's a good manager and a good coach but sometimes things come to a head - you can lose your way a little bit which I think has happened. Steve going was only a question of when wasn't it. He did the honourable thing, he made the decision for me."

Hastings are back at the Pilot Field on Tuesday when Worthing visit in the second round of the Sussex Senior Cup, kick-off 7.45pm.