Maguire-Drew hails loan spell with Rebels

Jordan Maguire-Drew celebrates with the fans after scoring Rebels third on SaturdayJordan Maguire-Drew celebrates with the fans after scoring Rebels third on Saturday
Jordan Maguire-Drew celebrates with the fans after scoring Rebels third on Saturday
Jordan Maguire-Drew says his loan spell with Rebels from Brighton & Hove Albion has been an unbelievable experience.

The 18-year-old has been on loan from Albion’s under-18 squad for the last month and scored eight times in just six matches as he fitted in well with Rebels both on and off the pitch.

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He netted the winner on his debut at South Park, before hitting a hat-trick in the 5-1 win against Tooting & Mitcham the following game.

After failing to find the net in a 1-1 draw at Guernsey, he was on target again in the 2-1 victory against Ramsgate last Saturday.

Maguire-Drew then scored two stunning goals in the 7-0 play-off semi-final win over Hythe, before he struck the third in Saturday’s 3-0 win in the play-off final against Faversham.

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Speaking after the win against Faversham, he said: “Great credit goes to Jon (Meeney) and Gary (Elphick) for giving me this opportunity, I can’t thank them enough. It’s a real platform for me to build on now.

“I’ve learned so much, how to use your body and the physical side of it is unbelievable. I just can’t thank Worthing enough and I’m so glad I’ve helped get them promoted. The team have been unbelievable as well, the morale in there is top notch. I knew a couple of the lads anyway but all of them have been top class. Everything about this club is unbelievable.

“I need to thank George (Dowell) as well. Without him, this club could have been non-existent and now, thanks to him, this has happened. It’s been a top-class day for everyone at the football club.

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“I want to build on this now, this is just the start for me and for Worthing as well. This club is going up and I want to go up as well, I want to challenge myself even more and get into the first team at Brighton.”

Maguire-Drew also thanked the Worthing fans for their support and said: “The fans have been unbelievable, they’ve made it even more special for me. They’ve taken me on like I’m one of their own players and I can’t thank them enough.”

Worthing fans have not seen the last of Maguire-Drew yet as his loan spell has been extended to include the Sussex Senior Cup final against Eastbourne Borough on May 20 at the Amex.

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He said: “I’ve extended my loan and I want to help Worthing do the double, that would be perfect.

“They’ve given me this opportunity, so I’d love to pay them back even more.”

Rebels joint boss Jon Meeney hailed Maguire-Drew’s impact and said: “He has come in and been absolutely terrific, on and off the pitch.

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“Again, I thank Brighton for allowing him to come. The contacts that I’ve got there have been very helpful. However, the lad has still got to fit in, which he has done on and off the pitch.

“We know that he can bring that game-changing moment. He’s got a bright future ahead of him wherever he goes on to play.”

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