Hastings Town have revealed they gave Terry White their blessing to leave the Pilot Field for neighbours and rivals St Leonards.

White, George Wakeling's former assistant at the Pilot Field, took over from sacked Micky Taylor on Wednesday at The Firs.

Hastings Town chairman Peter Huggins said: "We have no problem with Terry White going to St Leonards. He was a free agent and wanted to be a manager. The fact he has gone to our neighbours is irrelevant.

"It will be interesting to see how the supporters take it as they were very fond of him."

Huggins denied White's accusation in The Argus that he had been taken for granted at the club.

The Hastings chairman said: "The club granted him a testimonial which has just finished and we offered him as much support as we could.

"He is a nice fella, very straight forward and I am sorry to see him go. I wish him all the best although St Leonards are our rivals."

It seems almost certain Saints had White lined up as a replacement for Taylor before they dismissed 53-year-old Taylor on Tuesday afternoon.

Huggins said: "At the beginning of the week Terry told the club secretary and the manager and he didn't take training on the Monday.

"We have a replacement sorted out. Jack Dalton has unofficially been working with the players for some time and hopefully the change over will be pretty seemless."

White has taken over at St Leonards with a brief to make the side more identifiable to the local community.

He said: "I would like to bring the family atmosphere back to St Leonards. If you get local players in your team then their families will come and watch. Aunties will come and see their nephews and perhaps bring their friends along. That is my priority but I want to get a winning team. No one will give me credit for getting a local side out if we are not successful.

"It may take some time. We don't have much money to spend but I hope to make good players out of ordinary players and excellent players out of good players."

Wakeling admitted he was sorry to see White go but insisted the absence of the Hastings stalwart would not hamper his side's promotion push.

He said: "I think that Terry feels it is a good move and an opportunity not to be missed. The players are fine. Most of them knew something was up when he didn't come to training this week.

"Terry wanted to move on. Most people start off as a assistant and then they want a crack at being their own man. He is replaceable. Whoever leaves Hastings Town, there will always be someone to replace them."

What is concerning Wakeling more is the apparent lack of discipline among his players. Midfielder Duncan McArthur is currently serving out his second ban and Chris Honey was sent off in the midweek reserve game.

Wakeling said: "We have to address the situation as we are getting punished and players are missing games. I always want to be able to field my strongest side and losing Duncan again is a big blow.

"Duncan McArthur has got to start learning how to control himself, and quickly, because he'll be a better player for it."