Ex-Hastings boss takes charge at Horsham

The 34-year-old fills the void left by the sacking of previous managerial duo Anthony Storey and Cliff Cant earlier in the week.

Former East Preston, Worthing United and Clymping boss Di Paola arrived at The Pilot Field in early October following the resignation of Terry White, but was in situ for less than three months.

He resigned after the New Year’s Day defeat at Hythe Town, voicing his dissatisfaction at matters beyond his control, having

won four, drawn four and lost five of his 13 league matches in charge, as well as winning one and losing two of his three cup games.

As reported by www.hornetsreview.co.uk, despite failing to land the vacant Horsham manager’s role in January, following the departure of Gary Charman, Di Paola has kept a close eye on events at Goring’s Mead.

He has been a regular visitor to Horsham in recent months and was said to be delighted to accept the position of first team manager when he met with club officials earlier this week.

Horsham FC chairman Kevin Borrett told his club’s website: “Dom impressed us immensely when we first interviewed him for the manager’s position in January, but we felt that the start made by Anthony Storey and Cliff Cant earned them the opportunity to try and take us forward.

“Sadly it didn’t work out as we had hoped and so we have given Dom a mandate to start preparing and planning for next season which, unless we are reprieved or the subject of a league reorganisation, is expected to be in the Sussex County League.

“We expect Dom to make even greater use of local players, and strengthen the link between the senior team and under-18s, as well as place greater focus on pre-match training.”

Horsham are bottom of Ryman League Division One South and eight points adrift of safety with three games left. Hastings are fifth-from-bottom and four points above the three relegation spots.