Hastings seek to bring in striker before season opener

Adam Lovatt on the ball during Hastings United's friendly away to Eastbourne Town on Tuesday. Picture courtesy Scott White

Hastings United Football Club is seeking to bring in a new striker in time for the start of the coming season.

Hastings manager Chris Agutter has opted to look outside the club for attacking reinforcements following the long-term injury to last season’s leading scorer Davide Rodari.

Hastings will kick-off their 2018/19 Bostik League South East Division campaign at home to Thamesmead Town on Saturday August 11.

Agutter said: “With Davide being injured, over the past week or so we’ve had a good look at what we’ve got in-house and I think we definitely need an alternative at the moment.

Jack Dixon on the ball for Hastings United against Walton Casuals last weekend. Picture courtesy Scott White

See also: * Hastings strike ace to return to Italy for surgery* Hastings handed home start to season“We’re talking to a centre-forward at the minute and we’re hoping to get him in ahead of the Thamesmead game. He’s someone we’ve been speaking to for a while - a very experienced player who scored over 30 goals last year at Bostik South level.”

Experienced forward Jamie Taylor played and scored in the 1-1 friendly draw away to Bostik League Premier Division newcomers Walton Casuals on Saturday, but won’t be signing.

“Jamie did great, but we won’t pay any player over the odds,” continued Agutter. “Any player who comes in has got to fall in line with the wage structure at the club, which I think is very healthy.”

Agutter has trimmed the size of his squad slightly over the past week. Bradley Pritchard has been released, while cover goalkeeper Louis Rogers has signed for AFC Uckfield Town on a dual registration basis.