POOK GOES DOWN TO 16

WORTHING FC boss Alan Pook is to restrict his playing squad to 16 and incorporate his most talented young players on the substitutes bench.
By The Newsroom
Published 24th Jun 2004, 12:36 BST
Updated 8th Jun 2018, 01:19 BST

This follows the withdrawal from senior football of Withdean 2000, the Combined Counties League team who played home games at Woodside Road and provided a side to keep Pook's fringe players in match practice.

Withdean 2000 are to concentrate on their successful youth section, of which Alan Pook is head coach.

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This will provide a major source of young talent for Pook to tap, and free up certain Worthing players, who played for Withdean, to local County League clubs like Worthing United and Lancing.

He explained: "Worthing will have an Under-18 team in the Southern Youth League. I'll be releasing some players, while others will be playing with County League clubs or go on loan to other Ryman ones.

"Last season, I worked mainly off a squad of 14 or 15 players plus the floating ones who filled the subs' bench. It ran into problems only when a number of key players became injured. Glenn Davies, Wesley Lopez, Ross Johnson and Ben Carrington were all out '” I don't remember a season like it."

Worthing begin pre-season next Thursday.

WORTHING UNITED require Reserve team management to replace Robert McAlees and Gary Downey who are to concentrate on youth and their committee work.

Call first-team boss Ian Browne for details on 01903 234466.

Related topics:Combined Counties League