STEVE LOVELL, Gillingham's community officer, has been appointed manager of Dr Martens League, Eastern Division, side Hastings.

The former Wales international striker beat 11 other applicants to the job of replacing George Wakeling who quit at the end of last season over his budget.

Lovell, who had been linked with the Welling job before Paul Parker's appointment, is a former manager of Gravesend & Northfleet.