The Albion have had a transitional year since the departure of Mark McGhee.

New manager Dean Wilkins has set about developing some of the younger members of the squad and, with a number of acquisitions and more on the horizon in the transfer window, the Albion have the look of genuine play-off candidates.

Worthing Football Club appear to have turned the corner after a wretched season. Much has been written about the Rebels' relegation.

When they pay their entrance money, supporters gain the right to voice an opinion and when things aren't going well on the pitch, those opinions can sometimes be extremely blunt.

What's done is done, however, and with Alan and Danny now jointly steering the ship, a quick return to the Premier Division looks a very good bet.

All our Sussex County League clubs seem to be ticking over nicely with the exception of Lancing, who I'm sure will turn their corner once they start playing games at home, and Southwick, who are still coming to terms with owner Barry Noonan's imprisonment.

Apart from the club having to find yet another new manager, Barry's legal team hope for a re-trial in the New Year so, hopefully, it might be better news all round in 2008 at Old Barn Way.

On the rugby front, Worthing RFC continue to go from strength to strength on and off the field.

I have to be honest and say that in the last few months I have heard, for the very first time, a small number of detractors stating they think the club is being over-ambitious in its quest to progress.

To my mind, this is nothing more than a bit of the old green-eyed monster.

With the likes of Charlie Boughton-Leigh steering the ship, the club is in very safe hands and will continue to move in the right direction.

Worthing Thunder have had another triumphant year, although they almost find themselves at a crossroads.

With it plainly obvious that the Bears will never return, should Thunder look at moving up a level and bringing top-flight basketball back to the Leisure Centre?

Our cricket clubs enjoyed mixed fortunes but Findon did the county proud with their Village Knock-out run all the way to their Lord's debut.

Can lightning strike in 2008? Who can tell?

Although it won't be for want of trying by Graham Waller's men.

Another figure worthy of mention does not take part in the sport with which he is connected, but Worthing councillor Paul High deserves the plaudits after successfully negotiating the retention of the EBA National Bowls Finals in the town. With Bournemouth and Blackpool making attractive bids, Paul fought Worthing's corner and came out the victor.

In golf, Darren Renwick leads the field among a plethora of talented local players.

Another great year looks on the cards for him as he looks set to follow Gary Evans into the professional tournament player ranks.

Amateur boxing made a welcome return to Worthing, with a Rotary Club-organised dinner show in October.

Another is pencilled in for next year, along with the exciting news that the new boxing club for youngsters in the Littlehampton area looks set to open.

As for other local youth, all the sports seem to be thriving.

We now have more between the ages seven and 16 playing football than ever before, the mini-rugby at WRFC attracts ever huger numbers as well, and Broadwater Cricket Club will next summer join those clubs on the list who have colts sections.

All in all, not a bad year, and certainly much to look forward to in 2008,
Happy New Year, readers . . .