AFC Uckfield Town appoint a new manager

AFC Uckfield Town have appointed Haig Kingston as the club’s new first-team manager after an extensive search.

Kingston, who is 33, has extensive experience in the Southern Combination League as a player and will step up to his first management role at the level with the Oakmen. He has recently been first-team manager at Mid Sussex Football League Premier Division side Cuckfield Rangers and leaves a role as assistant manager at Saltdean United to join Uckfield, along with his assistant Harrison Burley.

After previous roles as goalkeeping coach at Hassocks, Lindfield and a short-term role at The Oaks under Steve Ives, Kingston is building his coaching experience all the time and is seen as the perfect appointment for the drive and energy he can offer his local club.

Kingston said: “I’m very excited. It is a huge honour to be appointed the new manager of the football club. I am extremely grateful to the chairman, committee and players for welcoming both myself and Harrison into the fold.”

With the Oakmen sitting 19th of 20 teams in the SCFL Premier Division, the aim for Kingston’s management team is to steer the club away from danger this season.

Succeeding John Kirby in the managerial hotseat, Kingston is optimistic about offering stability to a side who have finished 14th and 16th in the past two seasons under different managers.