Shaun Saunders has made his first signing of the summer with the acquisition of clinical forward Ben Pope following his departure from Hastings United.

With the U’s since May 2019, those four seasons at The Pilot Field has brought a healthy amount of success for both himself, and the club.

Securing promotion to the Isthmian League Premier in 2022, Pope’s nine league goals helped push Hastings close to a play-off spot in the close season, but fell just three points short.

Originally joining the club from Lewes, Pope commenced his career at Worthing, and later played for Burgess Hill Town before signing for the Rooks. Recording 23 goals at the time the 2019-20 season was brought to a halt due to the pandemic, Pope would score a further 22 goals the next time a full season swung around.

Bringing goals and smiles, we welcome Pope to The Enclosed Ground as he slides along the Sussex coast.