'New' manager and signings for Hill

Burgess Hill Town have announced the return to the club of former boss Jay Lovett, who is taking on a joint-managerial role alongside Gary Mansell.

Jay left Hill in February last year, having been in charge since November 2019. He was previously in charge at South Park, and as a player turned out for the likes of Brentford, Plymouth Argyle, Crawley Town, Lewes, Eastbourne Borough and Met Police. Since his departure from Leylands Park he has managed Haywards Heath Town.

They have also been busy in the transfer market, with three new arrivals- although two of them are rather familiar.

Ben Pope has recently been with Lancing, where he scored six goals in nineteen matches in the second half of last season. He joined the Lancers from Whitehawk, where he scored twice and played nineteen times.

Ben was previously with Hastings United, who he joined from Lewes back in May 2019. He scored twenty two goals in thirty eight matches as they won the Pitching In Isthmian South East title in 2022, and went on to score another twelve in our top flight during the 22-23 season. He had twenty three goals to his name when the 2019-20 season was brought to a halt, and had four more in the very short 20-21 campaign, which finished almost as soon as it started.

He started his career at Worthing, went from youth ranks to the first team, and was attracting the attention of professional clubs when serious injury struck. He later played for Burgess Hill before moving on to Lewes.

Brannon O'Neill makes the move from South East Play Off Finalists Three Bridges, where he has been captain, Assistant Manager, and spent five years in charge of the Under 18 side. The midfielder was a crucial part of the Bridges side throughout that period, and during last season was instrumental in their unprecedented success, playing forty three times and helping out with eight goals and incredible leadership. He works for the Chelsea FC Foundation, and previously played for Crawley Town Whitehawk, Horsham YMCA, St Francis Rangers, Dorking Wanderers and Worthing- as well as a short spell at Hill during the 17/18 season.

Finally, Ollie Davies returns to the club after a fine couple of seasons at Eastbourne Town, who are about to join us after he helped them to promotion last season. Ollie came through the youth ranks at Hill, broke into the first team squad during the 21-22 campaign, and played five times before moving to the seaside- originally on loan, then permanently. He has made ninety one appearances and scored twenty three goals, and picked up several end of season awards.

More here.

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