Ex-Brighton defender relishing being the boss

And the ex-Brighton, Aldershot and Wycombe defender will be helped in finding his feet in the Sussex League by a face familiar to all at the High Street Ground: cousin Danny.

The Blues parted company with Ian Martin last Thursday after an indifferent start to the season. Martin had been boss since Gary Block’s departure just over a year ago.

A club statement said: “We would like to thank Ian for his services over many years and we wish him all the best for the future.”

Former England under-21 defender Hinshelwood’s first game in charge was the 4-1 FA Cup preliminary-round defeat at Erith & Belvedere, where he said the side’s lack of confidence was a major factor in the result.

But he tasted victory at the second time of asking when goals by Bradley Miles and Graham Bush clinched a 2-1 home win over Midhurst on Tuesday night in the second round of the John O’Hara Cup.

Hinshelwood has asked Danny – who was manager at Selsey for eight years before stepping down in 2009 – to help with his knowledge of the league and local players to help get the Blues on an upward curve.

Adam Hinshelwood was assistant manager to Jason Hopkinson at Ryman League Hastings when he got the call from Selsey.

A knee injury forced him to retire at 26, just over a year ago, but he has since started to forge a coaching career, with roles at Lancing College and Oakwood prep school on his CV as well as a new kids’ coaching venture alongside Bognor joint boss Jamie Howell.

Hinshelwood said: “It’s exciting to be a manager in my own right. I’m from a football family – it’s in our blood – and when I had six weeks on crutches after my injury I knew I wanted to get into coaching and management.

“This job has happened quickly but I’m enjoying it. I think the aim for this season is to address our lack of confidence and build things up. We must compete in every game.

“I don’t know about bringing in any new faces at the moment. I want to have a look at everyone is here and give them a chance, as I think we have a lot of talented players.”

The Blues host Redhill in the FA Vase first qualifying round on Saturday.