The end of the 2013/14 season will see a man who should need no introduction to local non-league supporters hang up his clipboard for the last time, with Tony Cosens, the U's long serving Club Secretary having announced his intention to step down from the role that he has occupied at the Pilot Field since 1979.
Tony's involvement with the original Hastings United dates back a further twenty years, having joined the newly formed Supporters' Club in 1959, which he went on to serve as Chairman and Secretary until moving into the Office that would become his regular home for so many years to come.
When that first version of United ceased trading in 1985, Tony then took on the same position for Hastings Town, after the U's former County League neighbours were elevated to the Southern League in their place. He also took on secretarial duties for the Hastings & District Football Association in 1995, a role he still retains, and has held posts with the Kent Youth League and the Southern Counties Combination League.
Tony is an honorary Vice-President of the Sussex County Football Association and, in 2011, he received an award from the National Football Association in thoroughly well deserved recognition of more than fifty years' service to the game.
I would also like to add a personal note of thanks for Tony's invaluable assistance in providing all manner of information to help keep the official website statistically up to date over the course of the last decade.
There is absolutely no doubt that his will be massive shoes to fill, but anyone interested in taking on the role should please email Club Chairman, Dave Walters, in the first instance, the address being davewalters@idnetfreemail.co.uk. The position will be part-time, with precise hours to be discussed, and ideally voluntary, although expenses can be provided, as appropriate.
Wow !!! Well good luck to Tony .I'm sure the club are really going to miss him, he will be hard to replace .I hope we will still continue to see him at the Pilot Field
The legend. Don't think it will be understood & appreciated quite how much his work & knowledge of non league football will be missed until he's not there. Enjoy your retirement Tony.
Tonys been doing that role longer than I've been born! I need to thank him for all his help printing and physically putting together to programme as well as passing on all the information from the league etc. he's made a difficult job for us much easier than it could have been.
Also thank you for your help with the FA cup coaches tickets last season especially Middlesbrough where the 8 coaches and 400 people were a logistical nightmare! Made that a lot easier too!
All the best Tony and hopefully will be seeing you around the club still for a long time to come!
Massive boots to fill and a complete legend for the club. Outstanding work for many years. Many thanks Tony and I hope you enjoy a long and happy retirement.
I will miss the witty chats Tony and I have in the mornings and echo the thoughts already posted. Tony has a wealth of knowledge which I'm sure is second to none at this level of the game. He will be missed immensely around the ground and I thank him for his work and help he has given me over the short time I've been at the club.
Enjoy your retirement Mr C you certainly deserve it.
Really sad to hear this - Like Barrie I too will miss our chats and the help and advice he has freely given me on the last eight years. Tony is simply a legend. Enjoy your well earned retirement and I'm sure you won't be a stranger!
Have not posted on here for an age but blimey something that deserves a line or two!!!
Mr Cosens hanging up his boots never thought that would happen, all the insults traded with him over the years doing programmes and the what not. Totally gobsmacked!!!! I have nothing but the utmost RESPECT for Mr Hastings.
I class Tony as a true Hastings United legend, someone I have known for 45 years and had the pleasure of working with for 38 years during my time involved with the club. I rate Tony as one of the best Secretary's in this standard of football. I always stand with Tony at Home and Away matches and trust that will be the case for many years to come. Enjoy your retirement Tony.
-- Edited by DaveOrmerod on Tuesday 18th of March 2014 05:00:10 PM
Am in Portugal at present but could not let Tony's retirement announcement go without commenting. I had the pleasure of seeing Tony's work at close hand for many years. Without doubt the best and most knowledgable secretary in non League football. Thought I would never see him hang up his boots. It will not be until he has retired that it will be realised what an asset to HU he was! I look forward to seeing him at Sussex football matches for years to come. Dave Nessling.
I'm not putting the idea down as I think its a great idea however If it was to happen it would have to be pre season as renovation work for the pitch is already booked in to commence a couple of days after the play offs finish.
As reported a couple of weeks ago, the U's Club Secretary, Tony Cosens, has decided to step down from his role at the Pilot Field at the end of the current season.
In recognition of his thirty-five years' continuous service for both the former and present versions of Hastings United, the Club is planning to hold a benefit game for him in July, or early August, as part of the build-up to the 2014/15 campaign.
The contest is intended to take place between two teams of former Hastings players, and anyone interested in being part of the celebration should please contact U's boss Terry White, via the Club.
Further details will be announced as arrangements are confirmed over the Summer.
I have to say that having been a tad critical of the Club of late (upon reflection, often allowing passion and desire for the Club to move forward to cloud judgement!), two things this week have been brilliant - the Club's treatment of Bert, and the agreement to a benefit game for Tony. A true demonstration of what the Club is capable of - class acts, both of them. Anybody got any spare humble pie?
I've got a cupboard full of it Overthehill. I always keep some in the freezer in case I run out. That said, I don't think you need any. We all get passionate about the club and it would be a sad situation if people didn't care.
Tony's departure is a great loss to the club. It would be interesting to hear why he has decided to retire but he will be hard to replace. Hope his testimonial is well supported.
