Wheeler joins Burgess Hill Town – Pope, Lawson and Rea stay – but Vorster is among departing trio

The comings and goings are announced as boss Gary Mansell starts to plot Hill’s second season in the Isthmian Premier following their promotion via the play-offs in 2025.

Ben Pope and Harry Lawson were the first two Hillians to be confirmed as staying – but goal ace George Vorster has moved on.

The first retained player to be confirmed is fans’ favourite Pope, now in his third straight season with the Hillians during his second spell with the club.

Hill said: “We are delighted to say he will be back at the Medical Travel Compared Stadium for the 2026/27 season. Popey played a huge part in securing our promotion and then establishing ourselves back in the Isthmian Premier Division.

"The forward deservedly picked up the First Team Player of the Year last season capping off an impressive campaign with plenty of hard working and consistent performances in a campaign that saw him make 44 appearances, scoring 8 goals and also keeping a clean sheet in goal! That took his tally to 119 appearances and 29 goals for the Hill.

"The forward is a proven goalscorer at Step 3 and has previously banged goals in for Whitehawk, Hastings, Lewes and Worthing. Welcome back Popey!”

Lawson will also be back in the green and black of Burgess Hill Town for the 2026/27 season.

The club said: “Harry is a product of the Hillians youth system under Gary Mansell and, since breaking into the first team, has cemented his place as a regular in the side. Last season, he also reached a major milestone by making his 100th appearance for the club.

"Harry made 46 appearances for the Hill last season, scoring twice — away at Aveley and Chichester City. Lawson has now made 114 first-team appearances for the Club, scoring five goals, and we are delighted to see one of our own remain in Mid Sussex. Welcome back, Harry.”

Experienced midfielder Glen Rea is the third player to be retained for the new season. The popular midfielder will be back in the green and black of the Hillians after agreeing to return to the Medical Travel Compared Stadium.

Hill said: “Glen joined the club from Worthing at the beginning of October last year. He made a big impact on the side with a number of impressive performances in the heart of the Hillians midfield, making 39 appearances and scoring four goals.

"The versatile central midfielder, who can also operate as a central defender, started out at his hometown club, Brighton & Hove Albion, rising through the ranks to the U21s. He made his first-team debut for the Seagulls in August 2015.

"Upon leaving Albion, he followed Nathan Jones to Luton, where he became a Tangerines stalwart. spearheading the Hatters’ rise from League Two to the Championship. Glen went on to make over 200 appearances for the club, with serious knee injuries unfortunately curtailing his time there. He eventually departed Kenilworth Road in September 2023 while the club were in the Premier League.

"Glen then signed for Worthing and went on to make over 50 appearances for the club before joining the Hillians. He has also represented the Republic of Ireland U21s on numerous occasions earlier in his career. Welcome back, Glen!”

The Hillians have also made their first summer signing, with Nicky Wheeler returning to Leylands Park.

The experienced winger returns after previously spending a season with the Hillians in 2012/13 under Ian Chapman, where he finished as the club’s second-top scorer. He now becomes Mansell’s first signing as preparations continue for the 2026/27 season.

Hill said: “Nicky began his career at Charlton Athletic FC, spending seven years in the club’s academy before being released and taking a break from football. He returned to action in 2012 when he joined the Hillians for a season.

"A move to Lewes followed, before spells with Tonbridge Angels and Dagenham & Redbridge. He then joined Billericay Town during the reign of Glenn Tamplin, helping the club win the Isthmian Premier Division title. The winger moved on again the following summer to join Woking, helping them secure promotion from the National League South in 2017/18 via the play-offs.

"A return to his native Sussex followed when he signed for Eastbourne Borough, although six months later the lure of the project at Dorking Wanderers proved too appealing, and he was on the move once again.

“The highlight of his three-and-a-half-year spell at Meadowbank was undoubtedly another promotion to the National League, again via the play-offs, when Wanderers overcame Ebbsfleet United in a dramatic final. He then joined Worthing in 2023 and quickly established himself as a fan favourite with the Rebels. We can’t wait to see Nicky light up the Hill once again. Welcome back!”

But three players from the 25-26 squad have left – including top scorer Vorster, who has joined Slough Town.

The Hillians said: “George made 40 appearances and scored 17 goals last season, enjoying a fantastic campaign in green and black. His performances at the MTC saw him deservedly pick up the Players’ Player, Supporters’ Player and Young Player of the Year awards.

"Everyone at Burgess Hill Town FC would like to place on record our sincere thanks to George for everything he gave to the club, both on and off the pitch. We’re incredibly grateful for his contribution during his time with the Hillians and wish him nothing but success and happiness in the next chapter of his career."

The club have also confirmed the departures of forward Alex Brewer and defender Jack Meeres.

They said: “Local lad Alex came through the youth team and, after breaking into the first team, played an important role in helping us secure promotion — most notably stepping up bravely in the play-off final to score the opening penalty in the shootout. Alex scored 11 goals in 42 appearances for the club.

“Jack joined the club in October last year and made 11 appearances, scoring once in the 2-1 win away at Welling United. His season was unfortunately cut short by injury in early January.

"Everyone at BHTFC would like to place on record our sincere thanks to both players for their efforts at the MTC, and we wish them every success and happiness in the next chapters of their careers.”