After being at the helm since February 2004, David Walters has decided to sell his majority shareholding in Hastings United Football Club Limited, and to relinquish his roles as Director and Chairman at the Pilot Field.
Walters has agreed a deal with David Ormerod, a lifelong fan of the current and former incarnations of Hastings United, and a man who will be well known to a large number of Hastings United supporters. He is a former Club Treasurer, and a one time Management Committee member, and will take control of Boardroom affairs with immediate effect, while the formalities are expected to be completed by this coming weekend.
Announcements will be made in due course with respect to the constitution of the new Board and administrative structure for the Club. At this stagethough, Ormerodis hoping that United’s volunteer workforcewill remain actively involved, andthat the Supporters' Club will continue to operate, while he intends to arrange meetings with all volunteers, and with the Supporters' Club Committee, as soon as possible, to discuss their valuable roles in the U's future plans.
Looking back on his time in charge, Walters commented, "Thelast eleven years have provided the rollercoaster ride that I fully expected when I bought the majority shareholding from the late Mick Maplesden. I knew that there would be'lows',and sincerely hoped there would be some 'highs' along the way as well, and I certainly haven't been disappointed in either respect.
The obvious high points were theplay-off winning season of 2006/07, which culminated in two great away days at Dover and Tooting and Mitcham that secured promotion to the Ryman Premier Division under Nigel Kane's management, and the never to be forgotten FA Cup run during the 2012-13 campaign, when Sean Ray led United to the third round and a trip to take on Championship side Middlesbrough at the Riverside Stadium, an incredible and memorable achievement that may well never be repeated.
The relegation suffered at the conclusion of that same season was a significant low point,ofcourse, but the current seasonhas quite frankly been a disaster.More money has been spent onplayers’wages this season thanin any of those previouseleven seasons,and yet the Club finds itself in a desperate position in the table and in a real dogfight to avoid dropping into County League circles.
It isenormously disappointing to be leaving insuch a situation,but I firmly believe that the time is right for both myself and the Club. Off the field of play, the financial position is strong, with a six figure sum in the Bank, despite the large loss that will be made in the current trading year, and I am proud to say that the Club has never been in debt during my time as Chairman, nor even had an overdraft facility.
This could not have been achieved without the considerable support of my two Directorcolleagues, Simon Rudkins and DavidMurphy (who is also stepping down), as well as Chris Russo during her time at the Club. I would like to place on record my sincere thanks to them, and to the numerous other people who have helped to keep the Club afloat over the last decade or so.I wish you all, and the Club, all the best for the future."
Ormerod was quick to pay tribute to Walters for keeping the Club on such a sound financial footing over the years, something of a rarity at non-league level these days, and for the healthy state in which he leaves things, thanking him for his hard work and dedication, and wishing him well in his ownfuture endeavours.
I'd like to thank Dave for his effort towards the Club and wish Dave O all the luck in the world. Big task and one I have full confidence in him doing well. I never had a problem with Dave and always liked the bloke, but know some people didn't. Thanks for everything Dave
The king is dead, long live the king as they say. Not many were a fan of DW by the end but no one can say he didn't try his hardest. If we'd stayed up that FA cup year then things may well have been different. But out of all the names who could have bought the club our Dave O on his own is the best alternative by far.
Well i hope all you 'Walters out' brigade are ****ing happy !!!! Your life long dream of seeing him go has finally come to.... Hooray for you all !
Want to thank Dave for all his efforts through out his reign and the best of luck to Dave O .... Word if warning to you though.... Get this club playing in the Champions League in the next ten years or you'll have your own 'Dave Out' brigade after you !!!!
Not surprised at this news at all and heard some rumours as far back as February. Dave had not been appearing at away games and stories that he had allegedly even received personal threats from a fan was probably the last straw for him.
With regards to DW, I always made it public that I liked the man and really wasn't a member of the 'Walters out brigade'. We talked at every match if we bumped into each other and even spoke on the phone on a few occasions including an hours long chat after Dom left the club. Because I did make the effort to speak to him, I know for sure that despite all the rumours that surrounded him, and some were true and some were just ridiculous, his heart was always in the right place. He will be the first to admit he got some things wrong but he did care and by the end he was on his knees and hurting desperately over the plight of the club. He did offer his managers the highest ever budget seen at the club this season but it just did not work out and by the end he had lost even his most staunchest supporters.
So I would like to thank DW for everything he has done for this club and the incredible journey he took us on to the 3rd round of the FA Cup. Many people will have only bad memories of DW but my lasting memory will be at the end of the penalty shootout against Harrogate, when the ESPN cameras were filming thousands of Hastings supporters celebrating on the pitch only to catch DW standing on his own at the tunnel entrance with a nervous grin and total bewilderment as to what had just happened. I just hope we can let bygones be bygones, not use this forum to start the slagging off again, thank him, and quickly move on, I really do hope we can see DW at the Pilot Field as a supporter.
Now on to the Big O. I have known Dave Ormerod for many years and look on him as friend. We talk every game and I can honestly say the club could not be moving into better hands. He is a top bloke, very knowledgeable and will only have the club at heart. He has been involved with the club for many years and even used to drive the supporters mini bus back in the 70's. I have no idea on the finances he will be bringing in or the backing he will be receiving from further investors, but what I do know is that it is absolutely critical we stay up and give Dave every opportunity to move this club forward as a Ryman team and not as a county team. Many supporters have told me that if DW ever left it would add another 100 to the gate! well lets hope so and make sure we raise the roof on Saturday.
With Dave's personality and experience and the fact that DW has gone, I have no doubt that whatever happens this season, there will be a major clear out at the club for next season and I strongly suspect that both top managers and top players will be queuing up to join the Pilot Field revolution.
I want to congratulate Dave O on his appointment and I trust he will have better luck then he is having at the predict 6 at the moment. I also hope he will now go out and finally treat himself to a new jacket as that beige thing he wears must be 50 years old. As I have said, it could not be going to a better man and lets all raise the roof for him on Saturday and put this club back on the map. Well done Dave!!!
Well, I'm surprised there hasn't been more comment yet. I supported Mr Walters and I wish him well. Yes, our league status hangs by a thread; but it is absolutely fair for him to claim credit for the club's healthy financial position. You don't have to look far to realise how unusual that is!
Let's all give every support for Mr Ormerod! First to give us our best chance of staying up; secondly to work for the long awaited brighter future.
Exactly, BigCliff.
It all looks bona fide but the fact that this announcement came at two in the morning on April 1st, means I'm saying absolutely nothing.
Its been on the main site for a while now. Dave O is definitely in charge and this has been going on under the radar for a while now. Lets now get on with giving him our full support.
Exactly, BigCliff. It all looks bona fide but the fact that this announcement came at two in the morning on April 1st, means I'm saying absolutely nothing.
Im with you on this one Mick....got to be an April fool....quite elaborate though....need to focus on the footy and staying up...no comment on above as yet or until i read it in fridays daily kane 3!!
Not that I am any kind of spokesman for the club but this is 100% genuine. In fact I think Dan, Sean and both Dave's would take it as an insult than anyone would think otherwise. Enough damage has been to the club of late without some elaborate hoax. The date of the announcement is pure coincidence.
John whilst I agree with what you say above, I do not believe it is coincidence. If this has been going on for a while, why would anyone (in their right mind) pick the 1st of April to do it, You know I like a joke John, but this sounds a bit sick
I must admit that if I were making an announcement of this importance I would want to make it on the 31st or the 2nd; just to avoid the potential for confusion if nothing else. It is hardly surprizing that people look at the date and wonder.
As John rightly says above it would be in terrible bad taste if this were to be a hoax so am starting be convinced. However we only have to wait until midday. Don't we?
I understand people's feelings but so much has been going on behind the scenes I doubt it was ever thought about. Its the beginning of a new month, who cares whether its April fools day. Lets all now get behind the new owner, it really has happened.
-- Edited by johnw on Wednesday 1st of April 2015 11:11:22 AM
John is right as usual, it does not matter about the timing now, it has happened, much to some peoples delight.
Lets now stand together and get behind the new regime. They are going to need as much as we can give them more than ever now. I really believe that we can now get out of this mess. I for one was not going on Saturday due to the last home performance, but I sure as hell am going up on Saturday now. Lets have a big crowd and support the new beginning.
Everything on the statement and a lot more ( plus two exclusive interviews with Fraser Logan & Marlon Patterson ) will be in Saturday's programme ( 4th APRIL ) so think you can put your April Fools fears away! :)
I have to disagree with your statement "who cares whether it's April Fools Day", John.
There have been millions of April Fools cons like this in the past, many much more elaborate than this one. Anyone would be right to be suspicious. Common sense says you DON'T make such an announcement on this day.
By far the biggest discussion so far has been around whether the announcement is genuine or not rather than showing appreciation for DW, congratulating and wishing DO well......and considering what this actually may mean for the club.
So, I maintain, a rather silly day to make the announcement !
A difficult decision for a man passionate about the club. Moving on, I am sure that he will be a regular paying visitor at the Pilot Field, as a local football enthusiast, demonstrating his support for the new leadership team
I must be living on a different planet! So some of us actually thought that DW, Dave O, Dan Willett, Sean Adams and Simon Newstead all sat round a table and thought, 'ill tell you what, we could be going down, the supporters need cheering up, lets come up with an elaborate hoax between us and pretend the club has been sold' are we serious?. Sorry if I upset people but surely we are a bit smarter than to believe that. Maybe its just me but I'm now starting to believe people are playing an April fool on me.
I did think it odd that the subject header had the date in it which could have suggested a hoax. Are we to expect a statement from the new owner any time soon?
What's his plan to get us out of this godawful mess? I am correct in thinking he can't make any signings now?
-- Edited by simod79 on Wednesday 1st of April 2015 12:35:56 PM
Apart from a change of manager I'm not sure he can do anything to change our fortunes in the time he has left Si. He certainly cannot sign any new players although a big signing is imminent, but not sure why it has not been announced unless there are problems?
All that I can say is Dave is a top person when ever we was playing away he always had time to talk to me and other people and u could tell he wanted the best for Hastings yes it didn't work out for him what is a shame 11years owning a club is good I wish him well but now I don't know this person who is in charge of Hastings I hope he can put the funds in to Hastings and try and get us as far up the league as we can its going to be hard for him lets hope no one gets on his back like they did with dw I'm a Hastings lad and want to see us get as high as we can this town deserves a great club who knows what the future holds
Dont be under any illusion about the money put into the club by an owner. The owner buys the entity and sells it, but does not usually use his money to run the club. The money to run the club is yours ( taken from the gate receipts and bar takings, business support ), which the owner makes decisions on, on your behalf. I do not believe that the previous owner put any of his money in on a day to day basis, and was alleged to have drawn some earnings for the work he did. n That is why some of us have been argiung for greater accountability and transparency. Dave Ormerod is very committed and was part of a previous consortium that we had formed to buy the club several years ago, but clearly he did now want to sell then
First of all thanks to Dave Walters for running this club for more then 10 years and a warm welcome for Dave Ormerod for hopefully also a 10 years chairmanship !
I've known Dave O since I was a youngster travelling on the minibus to away games. He's a top bloke. I think he and others can rally the troops, and rebuild. It won't be easy and the divisions that have existed recently have to be put to one side. I am pleased that Dave O has the opportunity. Although I have been quite open in my desire for a change, I applaud Mr Walters for his brave decision to relinquish. If people have made threats against him, then that is shameful. There's no place for that. We now have to move on quickly and galvanise the team, so we can perhaps stay up and have some sort of base from which to build. The next month is now even more important, and hopefully a new air of optimism will rub off on players and supporters alike.
Sorry that DW has gone but I can't say I blame him. Thanks for all of the effort over the past eleven years, I hope to see you at the Pilot Field soon.
A big welcome as chairman to DO. I am sure the committee and members of tbe Supporters Club will join me when I say we are right behind you and will continue to support HUFC in any way we can.
Good luck to both Daves for the future.
surprise with this news but good that there is no break and that there is still lot of money at the club for new owner which hope he can have magic touch and use it to get success again. but think it important that money not wasted and think all supporters must at least thank walters for not putting club in debt. so now all the moaners will be happy and everything will now be prefect so good luck to dave ormerod
Saturday could defiantly have a buzz in the air, will be interesting to see if there is any immediate reaction with the crowd numbers or if the absent fans have been gone so long they won't return?
Too late for Saturday but might well be worth D.O looking into getting posters produced for the last home game of the season to try to get a really good crowd for what could be a really vital game. Unfortunately for me I miss the next three games because of holiday but I hope that the change brings the reaction from the team that we desperately need!
As youth section secretary I would like to add my thanks to Dave Walters for all he has done and at the same time wish Dave omerod all the luck in the world with his new role onwards and upwards.
As youth section secretary I would like to add my thanks to Dave Walters for all he has done and at the same time wish Dave omerod all the luck in the world with his new role onwards and upwards. We hope!!!!!!
I just wanted to add my thanks to Dave Walters for his contribution to the club over the years . A new era has dawned today and I give my full support to Dave Ormerod in the challenges that lie ahead. I can't think of a better man for the job. Now we must all focus as staff and supporters in getting behind the team , the new owner and moving forward.
Anyone who knows DW knows how much the lack of success on the pitch this season hurt him deeply. I've not been drawn on my opinions on here like others have to Dave's position however when I was told of his decision I was not surprised, I believe that it was the right time for him to move on both for himself and the clubs benefit. Nobody can deny Dave's handling of the clubs finances in the worst economic climate for many years was very well managed, any football club at this level would dearly love to be in a financial situation we are especially for 11 years consecutive years. I wish him well for the future in whatever path he takes.
I can honestly say that Dave Ormerod is one of the nicest people I have got to know at The Pilot Field, I will support Dave as much as I did DW and hope that we can all push the club forward. Let's now all pull together and get behind the team for the remainder of the season and beyond.
This will be my final posting on the forum. I would like to say a big thank you to everyone who has sent me their best wishes either via this forum, by text or email. I know I have a big challenge ahead of me, but the main challenge ahead is to make sure we remain in the Ryman League. Lets hope we see a good number of supporters at the Pilot Field on Saturday to support the team,and hopefully I will have the chance to speak to some of you. I will end my final posting by offering John W the chance to buy my 50 year old jacket. Any offer over £500 will be accepted.
