Former Charlton striker Mike Flanagan has teamed up with his son to help Hastings United get established in the premier division.

Flanagan is the new coach after Jack Dalton quit due to work commitments and he hopes to put his experience to good use at the Pilot Field.

The former professional made a name for himself as a player with Tottenham, Charlton and Crystal Palace and appeared for QPR in the 1982 FA Cup final.

He has also managed Charlton, Southend, Gillingham and until recently, Waterford in Ireland.

But it is at The Valley where he is best remembered for the 120 goals he scored in 347 appearances and the infamous red card he got for fighting with goal-scoring partner Derek Hales.

Son Adam is already a firm favourite with the Hastings fans. His whole-hearted defensive displays won him the player-of-the-season award last term and he showed his father's eye for goal by scoring 13 goals.

Flanagan senior said: "Adam joined the side last season and I asked George if he wanted me to come and help with the coaching.

"But things were going so well last year, I felt it probably wasn't the time to come because you don't want to change things when they are going well.

"This season George felt, because it was a new division, he could do with a little help from someone on the coaching side.

"When I came back from Ireland about 12 months ago, I wanted to get back into the professional game but it is hard when you have been away for 12 months. This is an opportunity for me to get involved, enjoy the coaching, and help George and the club.

"We haven't got a bad squad of players but the step up could be difficult because there are teams in the league with a lot of experience and we are finding our feet.

"I think I can help organise the side and give them ideas about how to set things up. I talk to George and between us we make the decisions."

Hastings have lost their first two matches 2-1. The Arrows entertain Hinkley tomorrow and last season's eastern division champions need to re-discover the winning habit.

Flanagan said: "There's a long way to go so we mustn't panic. We are feeling our way in this league and it is still early.

"I don't think we have been outplayed by anybody in our games and if we had taken our chances we would have got something out of them."

Manager George Wakeling added: "Mike's input has been excellent and between us we have a lot of experience."

Midfielder Duncan McArthur is suspended for the tomorrow's match and Monday's game at Havant and Waterlooville as he completes a four-match ban. Paul Ruddy is to see a specialist about a groin injury.