Although Kev who has lead Hayling into the top flight of the Wessex League for the first time in the club's history during his six-year reign at the club, he will be staying in touch with the club and will continue to watch home matches at the College Ground.

Everyone at the club thanks Kev for his hard work and his part in the rise of the first team from the Wessex League Second Division, playing on a public pitch, to end the 2007-8 in 12th position in the Premier Division and playing on their own pitch at the Hayling College ground – a fantastic achievement.

The team struggled in the new division throughout most of the season but came good with the last four matches ending in two wins and two draws.

After afine 4-1 win at home over relegation strugglers Downton at the end of March, Hayling's match at Bemerton Heath was rearranged because of Portsmouth's semi-final match at Wembley, on April 5.

They drew 3-3 away at Bemerton a week later and got a point in a 2-2 draw at home to Bournemouth on April 19. Their last match of the season resulted in an excellent 3-1 home win against Ringwood Town.

Not to be outdone, the Second XI finished the season in 13th position in the Combination One Division. Also struggling in their new division, they ended the season with a run of five wins.

Beating a strong Winchester City 3-2 at home on April 1, and a week later they beat Gosport Borough 3-2 win in front of their own fans.

Downton were sent packing by a 3-0 scoreline on April 12, and completed the double at Downton with a fine 2-1 win three days later.

Their final match of the season was over at Gosport, coming home with a superb 2-1 victory under their belts.

Those excellent results meant that neither team were relegated.

There is however, a very real danger of relegation next year because of the new ground grading requirements, as reported in the Islander in December.

There is a severe lack of funds to make improvements.
This has been a tough season all round and both teams have had to get used to much stronger opposition, although they have pulled a few surprises out of the bag.

There have been a few new signings this season and some old faces have returned and it is to be hoped that having survived their baptisms of fire thus far in their respective divisions, the players can be moulded into a fighting force to equal last season's success by the new manager.

Lottery
The HUFC lottery prize of £200 was drawn on Sunday March 30 at The West Town Hotel and there was no winner. The April draw for £400 was made at the club house on Saturday April 26. The numbers were 12, 13 & 20. Again there was no winner.