Ray named United player-manager

The 30-year-old central defender will be assisted by Mark Stapley, who has acted as caretaker manager for United’s last three fixtures.

Ray also helped out as the U’s hammered Horsham 5-0 on Saturday and won 1-0 away to Aveley two days later.

Both have previously managed teams at The Pilot Field. Ray was in charge of the under-18s at the start of the 2010/11 season before giving up the role during the summer, while Stapley led the reserves during the 2008/09 and 2009/10 campaigns.

Ray is the club’s current longest serving player with 234 appearances and 32 goals since making his debut in August 2004.

Only a couple of weeks ago it was announced that the former skipper was joining Rye United on a dual registration basis in an effort to regain form and fitness after losing his place in the Hastings side.

The managerial role at Hastings became vacant after the Ryman Premier club parted company with Jason Hopkinson following the FA Trophy game away to Bedfont Town on October 22.