Club news
Written by: John
We can confirm that ahead of the 2026/27 season, Dale Hurley will be standing down from his position as Under 18’s Manager
Dale leaves with the clubs best wishes as he moves permanently to men’s senior football as Manager of Lancing FC.
Hurley initially joined the Lancers as Manager in October 2025 and oversaw a turnaround in the clubs fortunes that eventually saw them reprieved from relegation from the Southern Combination Premier.
During that period, Dale continued in his role as our 18’s Manager and ahead of the new season, has rightly decided to prioritise his position at Lancing, a decision that we support and celebrate.
Dale rejoined The Rooks in July 2025 having spent eight successful years at Lewes from 2014 to 2022 as Assistant and then as Manager of the Under 18’s side, winning the Isthmian Youth South League, Isthmian Youth League Cup, Sussex County FA Youth Cup twice and his sides reached the FA Youth Cup 1st Round five times in six seasons.
His return to the Dripping Pan saw the team reclaim the Sussex County FA Youth Cup and finish 4th in a tightly contested Isthmian Division South- a commendable finishing spot given many of his squad were playing senior football at Lancing alongside 18’s football from October 2025 onwards.
Dale’s impact was immediately noticeable upon the 1st Team too, with six players signing on and making appearances with the senior side during the 2025/26 season.
We wish Dale as well as his support staff- Jacob, Rob and Finley, all the very best in the next stages of their careers.
The Club will be making an announcement on Dale’s successor as Under 18’s Manager in the near future.