Darren Hare

Born in Canterbury, he began his career playing for the youth teams of Dover and Gillingham and went on to play for a number of Kent-based non-league teams, including Canterbury City, Herne Bay and Sittingbourne. He also managed Canterbury and Folkestone Invicta, and worked as Youth Development Officer for the Kent County Football Association.[1][2]

Hare later became Head of Youth Development for Gillingham.[1] In December 2004 he served as acting manager after the resignation of both Andy Hessenthaler and caretaker manager John Gorman.[3] The following year he left Priestfield Stadium to become Head of Education and Welfare in the academy system at Crystal Palace,[4][5] and made a brief playing comeback at the age of 38.[6]

In 2007, he joined Dover Athletic as assistant to Hessenthaler, the club's new manager, who is also his brother-in-law.[2][4] When Hessenthaler began his second period as manager at Gillingham in May 2010, Hare also returned to Priestfield, as youth team manager.[7]

Hare was appointed as manager of Hastings United of the Isthmian League South Division in May 2016.[8] He led the side to the play-offs during his one season in charge, but Hasings were defeated by Dorking Wanderers in the semi-finals on penalties following a 1–1 draw.[9] He resigned from the role in May 2017, citing a desire to concentrate on his family and business interests.[10]

In October 2018 he rejoined Dover and Andy Hessenthaler, taking on the position of joint first team coach.[11] In November 2020, Hare resigned from his position due to personal reasons.[12]

Hare is married to Alison, a nurse, and has three children, Josh, Chloe and James. Josh is a footballer who plays professionally for Bristol Rovers.[13][14]