DANNY Searle says it was the shared passion of the Hastings United board which convinced him to become the U’s new boss.
The 46-year-old has been drafted in by the Isthmian Premier division strugglers as a permanent replacement for Danny Bloor, who left the club at the end of October.
Searle brings a wealth of experience having previously managed at Braintree Town, Aldershot Town and Ebbsfleet United in the National League as well as holding the position as head of coaching at West Ham United.
Searle: ‘For me, it was a no-brainer’
He takes over Hastings side occupying the fourth and final relegation spot in the table, but the well-respected Romford-born coach believes the infrastructure is in place at the Pilot Field for the club to progress.
“It’s a club with huge potential, a great fan base and a group of players that are capable of climbing the table,” said Searle, who was also previously the assistant head coach at Czech club Banik Ostrava and has also managed Irish side Waterford.
“I’m really looking forward to the challenge.
“I’ve been fortunate to have had some good roles and when you go to meet new boards etc, it’s really important to get a feel for the fabric of the club.
“I was excited by how excited they are and I think when you are going to work with people on a weekly basis and a daily basis, you want to be working with people with an equal passion for what you are trying to achieve and they have an abundance of that.
“For me, it was a no-brainer and the club were really keen to get something done and they’ve been brilliant with the process.”
Searle will be looking to halt the slide after the U’s took just one point from a possible 18 under interim boss Sean Ray.
Chairman Dean White said: “I am excited with the appointment and I am looking forward to watching Danny work with the players and take us forward on the pitch.
“With well over half the season remaining there is still much to play for and it is important we all get behind the
