Barry and Williams join Burgess Hill Town – Morrison, Rees, Whelpdale and Rowe are staying – but two depart

Following on from last week’s news that Hill had signed Nicky Wheeler, retained Ben Pope, Harry Lawson and Glen Rea and parted company with George Vorster, Alex Brewer and Jack Meeres, another raft of announcements have followed.

Their second new summer signing is Brad Barry, who is joining the Hillians after leaving Hastings United.

The 31-year-old vastly experienced defender was Gary Mansell’s second summer signing following the capture of Wheeler.

Hill said: “Brad began his football journey with Brighton & Hove Albion before moving to Swindon Town, where he spent two years. He then enjoyed a further two-year spell with Chesterfield.

"Brad has also played in the Football League for Swindon Town, Chesterfield and Stevenage Borough, whilst also enjoying a loan spell at Dover Athletic during his time at Stevenage. Following that, he spent two years at Barrow, helping them secure promotion from the National League to League Two in his first season before making over 30 appearances in League Two during his second campaign.

"He then returned to Sussex and spent three seasons with Eastbourne Borough in the National League South, where he served as Club Captain, before spending last season with his hometown club, Hastings United, where he also wore the captain’s armband.

"A tenacious and commanding presence on the pitch, Brad brings proven leadership and determination to the team, and we are delighted to welcome him to the MTC.”

Next came news of a third new face, with Luther Williams joining from fellow Isthmian Premier Division side Dartford.

The Hillians said: “The defender impressed during a short loan spell from the Darts last season, and we are delighted to make the move permanent ahead of the 2026/27 campaign.

"Luther made nine appearances for the Hillians, scoring once in an entertaining 3-3 draw away at Cray Wanderers before being recalled by Dartford. He spent two seasons with the Darts and, prior to that, the former Chelsea youth prospect represented Sheffield United at both Under-18 and Under-21 level before signing for Leatherhead FC, where he enjoyed a successful season in the Isthmian South Central League."

More familiar faces have been retained by Hill.

Ever-present full-back Hamish Morrison is the fourth player kept on board for the 2026/27 season.

The defender will now enter his third season with the Hillians. He made 52 appearances in his first season and a further 48 last season, taking his total to 100 appearances for the club – a milestone celebrated on the final day of the season.

The 26-year-old previously featured for Isthmian Premier rivals Whitehawk and has also played for Haywards Heath Town, having started his career in the Brighton & Hove Albion Academy.

Roco Rees will be back between the sticks after becoming the fifth player confirmed to return to Hill for the 2026/27 season.

Rees joined the Hillians from Sittingbourne last summer and made 22 appearances, producing a number of impressive performances and several crucial saves during a season disrupted by injury.

He began his career at Brighton & Hove Albion before departing the Seagulls to join Brentford B. After spending two years with the West London club, he returned to Sussex, signing for Adam Hinshelwood’s Worthing in the National League South for the 2023/24 season, before moving on to Sittingbourne.

Experienced forward Chris Whelpdale will also be returning for the 2026/27 season.

A firm favourite among the Leylands Park faithful, he joined the Hillians during the 2024/25 season and quickly became a key figure in the squad. Instrumental in the club’s promotion-winning campaign, he made 31 appearances, scoring six goals and providing eight assists in his debut season at Leylands Park.

Whelpdale’s vast experience proved invaluable during the return to the Isthmian Premier Division last season. He continued to make a significant impact, scoring and assisting a number of crucial goals, and finished the campaign with an impressive return of 14 goals in 34 appearances.

He joined the Hillians from Lewes and boasts a distinguished playing career, having represented Peterborough United, Gillingham, Stevenage and AFC Wimbledon in the Football League, before spells with Chelmsford City and Eastbourne Borough in the National League South.

Kieran Rowe will be back in green and black next season after the popular midfielder was also retained.

A firm favourite around Leylands Park, Rowe has been a consistent presence in the side since joining the club and will now enter his fifth season with the Hillians. He currently sits just four appearances short of the 200-game milestone and has scored 10 goals in Burgess Hill colours.

His performances over the years have earned him numerous individual accolades, including two Player of the Year awards, two Players’ Player of the Year awards and a Supporters’ Player of the Year award. Rowe also played a pivotal role in the club’s promotion-winning season as the Hillians secured a return to the Isthmian Premier Division.

Rowe joined Burgess Hill from local neighbours Haywards Heath Town in 2021 and previously featured for Bognor Regis Town before making Leylands Park his home.

Hill have also confirmed defenders Alex Malins and Bobby Price have departed the Hillians.

Malins joined the Hillians from Whitehawk two years ago and made 43 appearances, scoring two goals during his time at the club. He was an integral part of the promotion-winning squad, earning the admiration of supporters with his wholehearted displays and uncompromising commitment.

A defender who was never afraid to put his body on the line for the team, he gave everything in a Hillians shirt and consistently demonstrated the determination and work ethic that helped drive the Club’s success.

Price joined the Hillians from Horsham two years ago and made 73 appearances, scoring eight goals. He played a key role in that promotion-winning season and memorably scored the second goal in our 2-0 play-off semi-final victory over Margate.

Hill said: ”Everyone at BHTFC would like to thank Alex and Bobby for their time at the Club and wish them all the very best for the future.”