Worthing boss delighted with squad progress as more sign - and more depart

The new Rebels boss says all their transfer targets so far have been landed – and he is hopeful they won’t lose any other players from the 2023-24 squad they would want to keep.

Agutter was speaking after another two signings – attacker Tommy Willard and defender Ollie Black – arrived at Woodside Road.

Their signings follow those of defender Sam Beard, midfielder Tyrese Owen and Chris Haigh, all reported in last week’s Herald.

Agutter said: “We’re delighted to add Ollie and Tommy to the squad. Ollie was my player of the season at Hastings. He’s a good footballer – combative. a winner, a great character.

"Tommy, I’d say, is one of our most important additions. He can carry the ball well, go past people, link play, run in behind and stretch it. He’s a real goal threat and adds serious firepower."

Black was at Charlton and Eastbourne Borough before joining Hastings, who he helped to promotion to the Isthmian premier in 2022. He can play at centre-back or left-back. Black said: “I’ve been with Agi since I was 17. He was at Eastbourne Borough with me and then came over to Hastings. I like the way he plays football and I think it suits me best.”

Willard, a product of the Southampton academy, was on loan at Worthing in February but it was cut short after only four appearances as Aldershot Town recalled him. He scored on his Reds debut at Aveley and providing two assists a week later against Dover. Willard said: “I feel that there is some serious unfinished business here for me. I think Worthing has a huge platform for me to go and show what I’m really about.”

Worthing expect to announce more retained players in the next couple of weeks – ahead of pre-season training starting on June 25.

Agutter has also added to his coaching team another figure familiar to him, Ben Cornelius, who will be assistant coach. He said: "Ben will work across the first-team squad – with the keepers and outfield players – and will be a really important member of the staff.”

As previously reported, Ollie Pearce and Joe Felix have joined York City while Joe Rye has gone to Barnet.

Meanwhile, the following players have not been offered terms ahead of the next campaign: Roco Rees, Toby Bull, Jesse Starkey, Dylan Fage, Joan Luque, Jake Robinson, Odei Martin Sorondo.

In addition, Reuben Livesey Austin has rejected the offer of a new contact to seek opportunities with another club.

Loan players have returned to their parents clubs, including Ollie Wright, Josh Chambers and Jack Wadham.

Worthing said: “The club would like to place on record our sincere appreciation to all departing players for their contribution during their time at the club and wish them well for the future.”