Russell Eldridge and Danny Ellis are understood to have joined Ryman Division One South newcomers Crowborough Athletic.

Speaking on Wednesday evening, United manager John Lambert was aware that Eldridge was looking for another club.

Lambert said: "I'm sad to see him go because I like Russell, but the door is always open to him."

The 25-year-old Eldridge, who has generally been used at left-back or left-midfield, was 29 months into his third spell at The Pilot Field.

It later emerged that Ellis was also on his way and that the pair were heading for last season's runaway Sussex County League champions Crowborough.

Mercurial right-midfielder Ellis was a regular in the Hastings side for several years before falling out of favour during the second half of last term.

Antonio Gonnella, Gregg Berry and Paul Nessling have signed, but striker Frankie Sawyer is still to put pen to paper although he has attended training.

Negotiations are continuing between United and Ashford Town over the protracted transfer of Sam Adams after the FA confirmed that a tribunal cannot be convened to determine an appropriate fee.

Week two of pre-season training is well under way and more than 40 players have attended each session so far, with the exception of Saturday's when there were over 35.

"They've been moaning which is music to our ears because we know we're doing the right things. It's been hard, but they've dug in and we've had a good response," added Lambert.

Hastings expect to find out their league fixtures on Tuesday, a week prior to their opening friendly away to Sussex County League Division One outfit Ringmer.