Rhys nears first team return

Rhys Whyborne could be about to return to Hastings United's first team fold

The accomplished defender is due to play for the under-21s away to Ramsgate tonight (Thursday) and may step up to the front side at the weekend.

Speaking this morning, United manager John Maggs said: “He’s having a run tonight and we’ll take it from there. If he proves he’s fit enough and ready, he will be added to the squad.

“He’s had interest to go to Eastbourne Town, but he’s opted to take his chances with us. When I was at Horsham I tried to sign Rhys (from United) and if we can get him back to what he was, he will be a decent addition to the squad.”

Whyborne, 27, is a former United captain. He took a couple of years away from the game before making his comeback in an under-21 match away to Margate last month.

Bruno Pacheco is taking some time away from football with his partner expecting a baby, but United should otherwise be at full strength for the match against Crawley Down - one of Maggs’s old clubs.

Maggs added: “I look forward to it, I’ve got lots of friends up there. They’re a much-changed side from when I left, but he’s signed about seven players I believe and a few of them are decent. We will be playing a different side completely from the one which went to Guernsey (and lost 11-0 on New Year’s Day).”

United’s under-18 game at home to Burgess Hill Town in the Ryman Youth League South Division tonight has been postponed.