Harty on . . . the Albion, Chippingdale and Rebels

My preferred choice, Jordan Rhodes, despite continued speculation, has not joined either Middlesbrough or Sheffield Wednesday yet. But a former Albion loanee, Steve Sidwell, has re-joined the club, on loan again, this time from Premier League Stoke City.

Having previously joined the Albion on loan from Arsenal in 2002, the Gunners eventually sold him to Reading, who went on to achieve top-flight status under Steve Coppell.

From there, Sidwell’s career took in spells at Chelsea, Villa and Fulham, before his last permanent move to the Potters.

For both parties, it’s a good move. Sidwell, at this stage of his career, will probably relish one last challenge at this level and the Albion will certainly benefit from his experience both on and off the field.

Saturday’s home win against Huddersfield got the Albion back to winning ways on home turf, after three straight defeats at the Amex.

The key for me, and I’m sure many others, is a proven goalscorer, as by getting back to winning ways the Albion are still very much in the hunt for those automatic promotion places.

Of course, nothing is guaranteed but the acquisition of a proven striker at this level, be it Rhodes or anyone else of that ilk, will certainly give the Albion a huge advantage in the promotion pack.

For the kind of money being bandied around, it does represent a big gamble. But then is that not how Albion owner Tony Bloom has made his fortune?

After transfer window disappointment on a number of occasions, by Monday at 11pm it might be a different story for the Seagulls this year.

Exciting times at Chippingdale CC, not only with the permanent tenancy of the Rotary now entering a third summer, but the club have now announced that the highly-rated teenager, Josh Bourne, will captain the first XI for the coming season.

A very bold move, which no doubt has raised a few eyebrows outside the club but it represents a statement of intent from the club.

While his age might be an issue to some, behind the scenes at Chipps Bourne has a very experienced support team. That is headed by club stalwart, Paul Baker, which makes the appointment all the more exciting and forward-thinking for everyone at the club.

With FA Cup elimination in the last round at Hull, the Albion have a weekend off.

Whatever the weather, local fans can get a football fix this Saturday by coming down to Woodside Road for Rebels’ Ryman League South clash against Sittingbourne.

With the dawning of a new era at Worthing Football Club, crowds are on the up. Testament to this was Tuesday night’s Sussex Senior Cup quarter-final tie with Little Common which, on an absolutely filthy night weather-wise, still attracted almost 200 spectators.

As always, Albion season ticket holders can gain admission for £5 on production of their Amex Stadium swipe card.

With Worthing looking to cement that second place, which guarantees successive home play-off games, another 500-plus attendance could be on the agenda.

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