Daly, Olivier, Cocoracchio and Fenelon are Burgess Hill Town's latest additions

The arrivals and departures keep on coming at Burgess Hill Town as Gary Mansell shapes his squad for the 2016-27 Isthmian Premier season.

We have already reported on new signings including Nicky Wheeler, Brad Barry and Luther Williams – plus a number of retained players and some leaving Leylands Park.

But since Friday, Hill have announced four more new recruits. three more retained players and two more departures.

Experienced forward Shamir Fenelon has become their fourth addition of the summer after joining from National League South side Horsham FC.

Joel Daly is the latest new face at Burgess Hill Town | Picture: BHTFCplaceholder image
Joel Daly is the latest new face at Burgess Hill Town | Picture: BHTFC

Fenelon has just finished a hugely successful five-year spell with the Hornets. After joining Horsham in 2021, he quickly established himself as a key figure, finishing as the club’s leading scorer in his debut season and building a reputation for delivering in the biggest moments.

The Hillians said: “A proven big-game player, Shamir played a pivotal role in a number of memorable Horsham victories. Among his highlights were scoring in the FA Cup triumph over Dorking Wanderers, netting the Hornets’ first equaliser in their famous 3-3 draw with Barnsley at Oakwell, and finding the net in the Sussex Senior Cup final victory over Hastings United at the American Express Stadium.

"During his time at Horsham, he made 231 appearances and scored 47 goals. The powerful forward brings an outstanding pedigree to the Hillians. A former Republic of Ireland Under-21 international with two caps to his name, Shamir also made two senior appearances for Brighton & Hove Albion and enjoyed a lengthy career in the Football League, representing Torquay United, Rochdale, Tranmere Rovers and Dagenham & Redbridge.

"Following his departure from Brighton in 2015, he joined Crawley Town before making close to 100 appearances for Aldershot Town. He then moved to Horsham ahead of the 2021/22 campaign, where he became an integral part of one of the most successful periods in the club’s recent history.

Yoan Marc Olivier is new at Burgess Hill Town | Pictures from BHTFCplaceholder image
Yoan Marc Olivier is new at Burgess Hill Town | Pictures from BHTFC

"Shamir’s experience, quality and winning mentality will be a huge asset to the squad, and everyone at Burgess Hill Town is delighted to welcome him to the Medical Travel Compared Stadium.”

Winger Yoan Marc Olivier has been revealed as Hill’s fifth addition of the summer. The tricky wide man joins after spells with Kingstonian and Harrow Borough last season. He made 20 appearances and scored twice for Kingstonian before moving to Harrow, where he featured 16 times and found the net four times.

Prior to returning to English football, the 25-year-old enjoyed a spell in Kosovo, playing professionally for KF Istogu, FC Malisheva, FC Ballkani and FC Prishtina. Before his move to the Balkans, he featured for Tower Hamlets in the Essex Senior League.

Hill said: “Known for his pace, direct running and attacking threat, Yoan adds further quality and excitement to the squad ahead of the 2026/27 campaign.”

Luca Cocoracchio is also new at Burgess Hill Townplaceholder image
Luca Cocoracchio is also new at Burgess Hill Town

On Monday, defender Luca Cocoracchio joined from National League South side Dover Athletic.

He arrives following two outstanding seasons with Dover, where he established himself as a key figure in the heart of their defence. An ever-present presence at the back, he played a major role in Dover’s promotion from the Isthmian Premier Division via the play-offs before going on to start all 46 league matches in the National South last season.

Hill said: “His consistency and performances throughout the campaign were recognised with Dover Athletic’s Manager’s Player of the Year award, underlining his importance to the side.

"The 24-year-old came through the academy at Brighton & Hove Albion before enjoying a spell with Worthing. He then joined Whitehawk in January 2023 and helped the Hawks secure promotion to the Isthmian Premier Division before making the move to Dover Athletic.

Shamir Fenelon signs for Burgess Hill Town FC pic BHTFC.jpegplaceholder image
Shamir Fenelon signs for Burgess Hill Town FC pic BHTFC.jpeg

"Luca arrives with an excellent pedigree, valuable experience and a proven track record of success, and we are excited to see him in green and black this season.”

Tuesday night brought a seventh new signing for Mansell’s men – Joel Daly.

The highly rated and versatile midfielder played his youth football for Crawley Town, Whitehawk and Lewes before moving into senior football with Haywards Heath Town. He then accepted a scholarship to play in the United States.

After a four-year spell with Ohio-based university side Tiffin Dragons, Joel returned to the UK and joined Whitehawk, helping the club secure promotion to the Isthmian Premier Division in his first season.

He then joined the Hornets for the 2024/25 season, where he played a key role in winning both the Isthmian Premier League title and the Sussex Senior Cup, making 43 appearances across all competitions. Last season, he returned to Whitehawk and made a further 45 appearances.

On to those retained and Town’s longest-serving player, Reggie Ward, has been signed up for the 2026/27 season.

The club said: “A firm favourite among the Leylands Park faithful, Reggie reached a significant milestone last season when he made his 200th appearance for the club. He currently boasts an impressive record of nine goals in 201 appearances in Burgess Hill colours.

"The versatile midfielder played a huge role in the Club’s promotion to the Isthmian Premier Division and was recognised for his outstanding performances by being named Young Player of the Year during the promotion-winning campaign.

"Having joined the Hillians in 2019, Reggie came through the ranks at Brighton & Hove Albion from a young age. He also has strong ties to the Club, being related to Burgess Hill legend Ian Chapman. Now 23, Reggie has committed to an eighth season at Leylands Park as he continues his journey with the Hillians.”

Fans’ favourite and local lad Martyn Box is another Hillian confirmed for the 2026/27 season.

The club said: “Martyn is the club’s second longest-serving player and has made 170 appearances for the Hillians, scoring 28 goals. He was in excellent form last season before injury curtailed his campaign, with one of the standout moments being his superb hat-trick in the thrilling 4-3 victory over St Albans City.

"Following surgery, Martyn’s rehabilitation has progressed well and he is expected to link up with the first-team squad during pre-season as he continues his recovery.

"Boxy began his career in the Brighton & Hove Albion academy before signing a professional contract with Barnet. It was during his time with the Bees that he first arrived at Burgess Hill Town on loan, later making the move permanent.

"Since then, he has become a key figure at Leylands Park and played a major role in the Club’s promotion to the Isthmian Premier Division, memorably finding the net in the play-off semi-final victory over Margate.”

Last season’s Hill U18s Players’ Player of the Year Jake King has committed to the Hillians. The talented young midfielder enjoyed an outstanding campaign, captaining the U18s to a league and cup double while also making significant strides at first-team level.

Hill added: “Jake broke into the senior squad towards the end of the season and went on to make 12 first-team appearances. He capped off a memorable year by scoring on his first start for the club in the final game of the season against Cray Wanderers.

"Jake’s progress through the Club’s pathway is a testament to his hard work and dedication, and everyone at Burgess Hill Town is excited to see his continued development in green and black.”

But Josh Spinks is departing. He rejoined the Hillians from Lewes last summer and played an important role as the club established itself back in the Isthmian Premier, helping the team achieve its highest-ever league finish.

Across two spells at Leylands Park, the defender has made 144 appearances, consistently demonstrating his commitment, professionalism and quality whenever called upon.

Hill said: “Josh has been a valued member of the squad during his time with the Hillians, and his contribution to the Club both on and off the pitch is greatly appreciated. Everyone at Burgess Hill Town would like to thank Josh for his efforts and dedication and wish him every success for the future.”

Kaan Bennett has also departed, with Hill saying: “We were very keen to retain Kaan’s services at the MTC following his impressive contribution last season. However, despite positive discussions, we were unfortunately unable to reach an agreement on terms.

"Kaan joined the Hillians from Lewes in January and made an immediate impact at Leylands Park. He played a key role during the second half of the season, scoring an impressive eight goals in just 16 appearances.

"Although his stay at Burgess Hill Town was a short one, Kaan’s impact was significant, and we are grateful for everything he gave to the Club during his time here. Everyone at Burgess Hill Town would like to thank Kaan for his efforts and commitment and wish him every success both on and off the pitch in the future.”

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