Pleased to read that Chris will be staying on as manager. Hastings could do with some continuity and hopefully we will be challenging for promotion next season. As exciting as last season was under Darren Hare the squad of players we had probably under-performed over the course of the season. This season has been interesting watching the side develop and persist with a passing style of play. Because of our style of play I wouldn't be surprised if other teams rather look forward to playing Hastings compared to some of the more physical sides in the league. Wouldn't mind seeing a bit more steel in our side and perhaps a plan B when the passing style just isn't working.
Great to see Folkestone on top of their league. A good example of what can be achieved by sticking with their manager-well done Neil Cugley.
It is far too early to say if this is a good or bad move only time will tell, if next season we are able to gain promotion or at least make the play offs then it’s good, but if we have another season like this then it will be nothing short of a disaster. Personally I think next season will be considerably harder, as those clubs with less money will be able to get away with smaller squads. Those 8 games make a lot of difference.
I think it's a good move. That doesn't mean that it guarantees success next season, but at this point, in this place, it's the sensible and right thing to do.
I've been very impressed by Chris Agutter since he took over. What he inherited was a bit of a mess, more of a theoretical exercise than an actual football team. He's gradually managed to turn that into a coherent side with a consistent approach, one that's at least put a decent case for local, young players being regularly coached together. There was some discussion along the "good coach, but is he a manager?" lines early on, but he seems to me to have taken firm decisions when needed and to have brought everyone together. Quite right that he gets the opportunity to take it forwards.
But also quite right that next season will be tough. Expectations will be higher and opponents will be wiser; I think we're already seeing what can happen to a passing team when the opposition starts to wise up and do things to make life uncomfortable. Much to do between now and August...
