Rebels building a new-look squad

ADAM Hinshelwood is already shaping a new-look squad at Worthing Football Club, after a number of arrivals and departures.
George Gaskin (yellow shirt) has re-sign for RebelsGeorge Gaskin (yellow shirt) has re-sign for Rebels
George Gaskin (yellow shirt) has re-sign for Rebels

Hinshelwood was named Rebels boss on Christmas Day and has since been busy adding to his squad. He has signed George Gaskin, Ash Harper and Lee Carey in the last week, after previously bringing in Max Howell, Will Hendon, Connor Cody, Corey Heath and Omar Bugiel.

Gaskin returns to Woodside Road for his second spell at the club. He has netted 14 goals this season – one for East Preston and 13 for Littlehampton – while Harper has struck 17 times for Wick & Barnham this season.

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Carey has previously played at Hastings, where he was captain, and Hinshelwood said: “George and Ash have both scored a lot of goals for their clubs this season. They both fit the mould of young and ambitious players who I want to bring to the club.

“I know a lot about George as my teams have come up against him a lot in the past and he is always a goal threat.”

A trio of players – Chris O’Flaherty, Gavin Gordon and Karl Akehurst – have already left Woodside Road and Hinshelwood said: “They’ve all moved on as we’ve brought in some new players.

“They are all players I’ve got respect for and I didn’t want them to be travelling all around Sussex and Kent to be bit-part players.

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“It was best for all parties that they go and play football.”

Seven players made their Rebels debuts on Saturday and Hinshelwood was full of praise for his side’s character after they fought back from a goal down to go 2-1 up at Eastbourne Town on Saturday, before the Ryman League South Division game finished 2-2.

Hinshelwood has the basis of a young squad but insists he is not happy just to build for next season and said: “Apart from Mark Knee and Lee Carey, everyone was under 23 on Saturday. I’ll always give young players their chance as that’s the way forward and I want to be a manager who will give local players their chance.

“I haven’t written this season off yet, though. We’re tenth in the league and I won’t send any team out unless we’re going out to try to win and get the three points.

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“With the lads we have got here, I still think we can have a successful season.”

Rebels’ boss has not ruled out bringing in more new players either and said: “There still could be some new faces in the next couple of weeks.

“Anyone I feel will improve the squad and fits the mould of young and ambitious players, I’ll be looking at.”

Hinshelwood is hoping to get Paul Kennett and Matt Piper back involved soon, while he will not rush Matt Hurley back from injury.