Eight commit to Hornets – and more will join soon
Dom Di Paola spoke of his delight at keeping his successful Horsham FC squad together after eight of last season’s line-up committed to the club for 2020-21
The manager believes stability is key as he looks to build on a positive first campaign back in the town and in the Isthmian premier division.
The Hornets finished sixth in the truncated season, surprising many wellestablished step three teams, and Di Paola wants them to equal or better that when the new campaign begins.
His hopes have been boosted by the eight who have committed to the cause.
It is exactly what he said at the end of last season he hoped would happen.
Young goalkeeper George Bentley will return for a second season with the club, while forwards Rob O’Toole and Chris Smith, defenders Will Miles and Harvey Sparks, and three midfielders – Lee Harding, Charlie Harris and skipper Jack Brivio – have also rejoined.
They are some of the club’s most experienced players, having racked up more than 500 appearances for the Hornets between them over their time with the club.
The eight also joined by former Worthing, Whitehawk and Peacehaven forward Callum Saunders, whose signing was revealed in April.
Di Paola said he hoped more of last season’s squad would sign on soon and he planned a couple of new faces.
He told the County Times: “It’s great to get these over the line, it makes a big difference.
“We’ve got a good group with a lot of appearances for the club between them. For the five or six years before we came in, I think the club had a bit of a conveyor belt of players but I feel it’s important to have a nucleus who stick around.”
He added: “Hopefully there will be a few more to rejoin. There’s no-one from last year I’m planning to phone and say ‘you’re not part of our plans’.
“We were delighted to get Callum signed and we have one or two others we hope to get over the line.”
As reported, Horsham have parted company with three of their squad. Alex Kelly and Harry Mills have moved to Walton & Hersham, while Greg Cundle has returned to Concord Rangers.