Former Luton Town midfielder joins Worthing FC

The 29-year-old has joined the club on non-contract terms and is available for selection for tonight’s National League South match at Hampton & Richmond Borough.

Rea is a former Republic of Ireland U21 international who left Luton Town – now in the Premier League – by mutual consent last month, ending a seven-year stay in which he made 207 appearances.

Worthing said Rea was part of the Luton teams that won promotion from League Two and League One, helping them establish themselves in the Championship in the 2019/20 season.

After making just 13 appearances for the Hatters in the first half of the 21/22 season, Rea went to Wigan Athletic on loan in January 2022. His spell was cut short after he suffered a knee injury during a game against AFC Wimbledon.

Worthing added: “After missing nearly a year of football, Rea continued his rehab in the second half of last season on loan at Cheltenham, helping the Robins avoid the drop in League One.

“Rea was born in Brighton and began his career with the Seagulls, signing his first professional contract in 2013. He made his debut for the Seagulls in 2015 before loan spells with Southend United and Luton Town, who he joined permanently in 2016. Rea will wear the squad number 31 for the Rebels.

He is the latest in an impressive list of players to have joined Worthing since they were promoted to National South last year – with the likes of Jake Robinson, Nicky Wheeler and Danny Cashman others to have joined.

Worthing are seventh in National South and looking forward to an FA Cup first round tie at Alfreton.