Maggs: I’m better off out of it

John Maggs was sacked after just five months as Hastings United manager. Picture by Terry S. Blackman

Maggs, who was dismissed last weekend after just five months in The Pilot Field hot seat, said his relationship with club chairman Dave Walters had become unworkable.

Assistant manager Cliff Cant has also departed, while first team coach Terry White has stepped up to take over the managerial reins at the Ryman Football League Division One South outfit.

He said: “I’m just another manager who’s come and gone from Hastings United FC. It was never going to last and personally I’m better off out of it. The relationship with the chairman became just unworkable. I never applied for the job in the first place; the chairman came to me.

“My job was to get promotion and the club are in a wonderful position to do just that. With 22 games to play, a lot can happen. They can still win the league, but most certainly are going to be in the play-offs. I’m convinced I would’ve achieved what everyone wants at Hastings and that’s promotion.”

Despite losing three of their five league games since Christmas, United are fourth in Ryman Football League Division One South and only six points behind second-placed Leatherhead with two games in hand.

“What is important is that the players continue to give their all,” continued Maggs, who said he wasn’t surprised to be relieved of his duties. “I must personally thank them for playing for me and showing the respect they had given to me. I’m totally overwhelmed with all their messages and comments.

“As for the supporters - and I’m talking about the majority of people who have supported Hastings United Football Club for many years - you do deserve better.

“With me it’s a personal thing, but whoever is manager at Hastings in the future, I wish them well. Football at times can be very cruel, but it’s all part of the game, and you have to accept it and move on. The people of Hastings are not silly and I can leave you to make up your own minds.”

The vastly experienced former Crawley Town and Horsham boss won 16, drew three and lost nine of his 28 games as United chief. Although 70-years-old, Sompting-based Maggs would still like to return to the game.

He added: “I’m a fit animal and I can cope with it. I know there’s a club out there I can help. Hastings United FC are massive in that part of the country and they should be at the top end of non-league football. The challenge to put them back on the road was the reason I went there.”