Season could start tomorrow: Hinshelwood gives verdict as Worthing squad takes shape
Adam Hinshelwood says the Worthing squad is on course to be competitive for the start of the National League campaign – and he’d even be happy if the season started tomorrow.
The Rebels manager is delighted with the four new signings they have made, who he says add quality and experience – and with the deals done for five of last season’s stars.
Their entry into the top tier of non-league is getting closer all the time, and with the fixtures now out (see the full list here) and friendlies under way, Hinshelwood says he is pleased with their preparations.
Worthing have signed midfielders Noor Husin and Tyrique Clarke and wingers Ashley Nathaniel-George and Dom Hutchinson, and tied Taylor Seymour, Joe Cook, Sam Beard, Sam Packham and Bailey Smith into new deals.
Hinshelwood told us: “Noor is a player I’ve long admired – we need to be patient in getting him fully fit after recovery from an ACL. Tyrique is a midfielder who can turn defence into attack and drive up the pitch.
"If we can get Ashley enjoying his football he’ll be a real asset at this level – he can play as a 10 as well as wide. And Dom is only 24 and will only get better.
“We’re also delighted to keep the core from last year. Now it’s about bulking up the squad. There’s potential for more to come in and we’re looking at a few trialists.
“We still need more depth but if we started the season tomorrow, we’d have a strong line-up.”
Hinshelwood was pleased by their display in last Friday’s visit to Bournemouth U21s for a friendly. This weekend they go to Frome – with Saturday’s game following an overnight stay designed to get the players used to longer trips.
Home fans get their first taste of friendly action on Tuesday when QPR U21s visit.
The Rebels then visit Enfield on Friday 24, host Bracknell on Saturday 25 – and an extra game, at home to Brighton U21s, has been added on Tuesday 28.
The final friendly is at home to Horsham on Saturday, August 1.