in september 2016 harding returned to brighton, signing for national league south side whitehawk under his former boss at eastleigh, richard hill. harding re-signed as player-coach under new manager jimmy dack for the start of the 2016-17 season. following dack's resignation on 28 august 2017, harding was appointed caretaker manager. after the permanent appointment of steve king on 13 september 2017, harding left the club on 21 september 2017.