New faces boost Haywards Heath Town as Green plots new bid for SCFL success
Haywards Heath Town FC have enjoyed a promising pre-season as they continue preparations for the 2026–27 campaign, with manager Kev Green reshaping his squad following last season's disappointment of narrowly missing out on promotion.
Green has tweaked his side with a blend of new signings and familiar faces amongst a host of retained key players. Towering defender Joe Alman has arrived from Bognor Regis Town, while full-back Ian Robinson and forward James Waters have both joined from Eastbourne Town.
The Blues have also welcomed back striker Lukas Franzen-Jones, who returns to the HSEnergy Group Stadium after a three-year spell away. Having featured briefly during the 2022–23 season, the forward returns with unfinished business. Full-back Jake Legrange has also rejoined the club following his time at Roffey.
re-season began with a narrow 1-0 defeat to Worthing United, but Haywards Heath responded in emphatic fashion by thrashing Hastings United 4-0 in arguably their most impressive performance of the summer.
Mark Goldson opened the scoring before Jack Barnes doubled the advantage with a stunning looping strike. Franzen-Jones marked his return with a confidently taken penalty, while Under-23s forward Cavan Chedzey completed the scoring after being unselfishly set up by Legrange.
A challenging encounter against Isthmian Premier outfit Eastbourne Borough ended in a 2-0 defeat, but the Blues quickly returned to winning ways with a 1-0 victory over Buckinghamshire side Risborough Rangers. Franzen-Jones continued his fine start to pre-season by netting the decisive goal, further showing why manager Kev Green was so eager for his signature.
The Heath wrap up their pre-season tests with two away trips to Oakwood and AFC Ringmer respectively, before being handed a tough test on the opening day of the SCFL Premier Division season, as they host East Grinstead Town FC, another side hotly tipped to be at the top of the table.
The Blues also start their Emirates FA Cup journey with an away trip to Little Common FC.
Beyond the results, pre-season has highlighted the depth of talent throughout the club. Several Under-23 and Under-18 players have been handed valuable first-team opportunities from the bench, while the club's new arrivals have begun to settle in and get accustomed to Green’s style of play. With competition for places increasing and encouraging performances across the squad, optimism is growing that The Blues can mount another strong promotion challenge in the season ahead.