New boss Steve Richardson believes Whitehawk are good enough to avoid relegation from Division One of the County League.

Former Langney Sports and Hailsham manager Richardson was appointed to the hotseat at East Brighton Park last weekend following the resignation of Colin Jenkinson.

His immediate task was to stop an alarming slip down the table which has seen the Hawks fall to fourth from bottom and within three points of the relegation zone ahead of today's programme.

Richardson said: "I haven't done anything for a year and this is a nice challenge.

"We are towards the bottom of the table but I think we will get out of it.

"One or two things have got to be changed. Other than that, there is a good little squad at the club and it just needs pulling together."

Richardson's first move was to persuade veterans Phil Somers and Russell Gunn to turn out for the Hawks for the rest of the season.

Along with the likes of Alan Dove, Tony Flower and Andy Packham, they will give Whitehawk an experienced backbone which Richardson believes they need to get out of trouble.

His first signing is former Hailsham midfielder Nigel Jones and others may follow. His sons, Paul and Martin, who both play for Hailsham, will naturally be linked with their father.

Richardson, who played for Whitehawk when Sammy Donnelly was manager there, is already looking to the future. He added: "If we survive this year, then next year will be completely different."

Chairman and former manager Paul Hubbard is delighted with his new man. "I have had some very good feedback from other people as to Steve's appointment," said Hubbard.

"He was on a shortlist of one. I really wanted to persuade him to come to us. People have respect for Steve all around the county."