Haywards Heath FC name former Steyning assistant Ryan Andrews as new manager

Andrews left his position as assistant manager at Steyning Town at the end of last season and was officially named the new boss of their Sussex County League Division Two rivals on Thursday (June 26).

He takes over from former manager Simon Corless, who stepped down at the start of the week citing work and family commitments.

Andrews runs a business in Haywards Heath, and has always had strong ties with the club with his father playing for the Blues and his grandfather being the former club president.

He will be assisted by Darren Annis, the former Billingshurst, Worthing Town, Shoreham and Lancing centre forward.

Andrews told the Heath website: “This is the only job I would have taken in local football having left my previous position with Steyning at the end of last season.

“I have a season ticket at the Amex but when I was asked on Tuesday if I would take the job I felt it was too good an opportunity to turn down, what with my family’s history with the club.

“This club is a sleeping giant and I know that’s been said many a time before but the facilities and set up really are not that of a County Division 2 side.

“They came close last season and for me it’s a case of trying to keep the nucleus of that side together, maybe adding one or two new faces to freshen things up and just continue the good work that the previous manager Simon has done.”

Heath chairman Mick Cottingham said: “We are delighted to get Ryan on board, when Simon made his decision we were obviously disappointed due to the success that we have seen at the club over the last few seasons but understood his situation and are delighted he will continue to help the club move forward.

“We were keen to move quickly with pre-season fast approaching and after speaking with Ryan are delighted he is up for the challenge.

“We had some very good applicants of which we thank but feel Ryan fits the bill in terms of ability, locality and history. We wish him all the success for the forth coming season.”

The Blues begin pre-season training on Thursday July 3.