Hurst hope to consolidate both on and off the field

Having been promoted last season despite finishing outside of the top two, the Jubilee Field side will play in Division 1 of the Southern Combination League this term.

It’s the furthest up the footballing pyramid the club have ever been and they are relishing the step up.

Manager Adie Konieczny is staying at the club and they have made a number of exciting signings.

Central midfielder James Hancock (ex-Loxwood and Gillingham under-18s) has joined along with former Hastings under-21 striker Romeo Ugbene.

Former Loxwood defender George Magnus has also signed, along with Harry Bowles, who was at Alton Town and Brighton academy’s books as a youngster.

The club also has up to four more signings in the pipeline having only lost one player from last season’s squad.

Hurst vice-chairman Mark Betts said: “Our aims this year are to consolidate in senior status football by aiming for a top-half finish and keep progressing as a club. It’s going to be a big year with all the ground improvements happening.

“It’s looking good for the new season. Adie is remaining in charge and is hopeful of appointing a new assistant in the near future.

“The committee have been working flat out in preparing for the new season and everything that comes with senior status football and during the forthcoming months you will see things starting to take shape at Jubilee Fields.

“We’ve attracted some new sponsors and ex players, supporters and local businesses have responded well to buying a seat for life in the soon-to-be erected 100-seater stand.

“On the playing front, we have no outgoings apart from losing local lad Matt Hards who re-signed for Worthing and consequently has had to dual sign with Worthing United as they have a tie up between them.

“It’s a shame as he finished the season well and a regular in the team and although it’s nice to see local lads progress with the club, there was nothing we could do. We just hope he gets the game time his talent deserves.”