It's Light delight for Bexhill United

The news was announced on the club’s Twitter feed and is a big boost for the club ahead of the new Southern Combination season.

The club tweeted: “During these uncertain times, we are delighted to announce first team manager Ryan Light has agreed to stay in charge at the Polegrove, and will once again lead the club during the 2020-21 football season.”

The new campaign – whenever that begins – will be the likeable Light’s fifth at the helm of the Southern Combination division-one club and fourth in sole charge, having been joint manager with Nigel Kane during his first season.

Bexhill were fifth in the table when the 2019-20 season was abandoned because of the coronavirus pandemic, having finished fourth, seventh and 10th in the previous three campaigns.

The Pirates’ fourth place finish in 2018-19 was their joint-highest position since being relegated from the old Sussex County League division one, when playing under the name of Bexhill Town, in 1993/94.

Light previously led the old Rye United to a runners-up finish in the old Sussex League division one in 2004 – matching their highest ever league position. And he has coached at several senior clubs in the Hastings and Eastbourne areas.

The announcement he was set for another year at the Polegrove brought a positive response.

Bexhill United’s Graham Cox tweeted: “Ryan has a vision of seeing this club playing at the highest level. This will be his fifth term and great progress has been made in the four previous seasons. The atmosphere in and around the club is phenomenal.”

Ian Sayers tweeted: “Great to have Ryan staying as manager, it’s great seeing his enthusiasm, his love of the game and its great to listen to the sensible advice he gives to the match officials! 20/21 promotion year!”

The photo of Ryan Light was taken by Old Town Photography - visit the Old Town Photography website here

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