New keeper heads to Rebels – but young star heads to National League title chasers

Worthing will have a new No.1 between the sticks next season – but will be saying goodbye to one of the brightest young stars in defence.

The Rebels have announced the signing of Ebsfleet’s Chris Haigh, a new manager Chris Agutter says he has “wanted to work with for years”.

But the club have announced that young player of the season Joe Rye will move on to pastures new as he makes a move up to the National League with Barnet.

Agutter said: “Haighy is a brilliant addition to the football club. I’ve wanted to work with him for years because he’s everything I want in a goalkeeper, so it’s really exciting to finally have the opportunity to do so.”

Chris Haigh (Image: Worthing FC)

Haigh kept a clean sheet against Worthing in May 2023 in the play-off semi-finals while on loan at Oxford City as he helped them to promotion from the National League South.

He returned to the club for the 23/24 season, keeping four clean sheets in their first season in the fifth tier, despite the club being relegated.

The new goalkeeper said: “As soon as I got the call, it was a club that really interested me. I can’t wait to get started.

“The club play a good style of football and want to promote, that’s all I needed to sign up.

“I think it’s important to have some defensive experience. It will help me to try and help us move forward.

“Helping the club reach the National League is where my hunger is. I want to go with Worthing and get promoted.”

Joe Rye (Image: Worthing FC)

Worthing have also announced that young defender Joe Rye will leave the club to sign for Barnet in the National League as they push for promotion to League Two.

Rye joined the club aged 15 and worked his way through the youth system, breaking into the Worthing first team in 2021/22.

He made 43 appearances in all competitions for Worthing last season, helping the side keep 13 clean sheets in the National League South and winning the club’s Young Player of the Season.