Lewes promote four, retain four - and lose three

The Rooks have announced a number of players from last season who are rejoining and will be pitching four of their promising under-18s into the first-team squad to battle for regular Isthmian premier football.

They have parted company with three of their 2019-20 squad and other comings and goings are expected to be announced in the next few days.

Langton has spoken of plans to bring four members of the successful under-18s squad of the previous two seasons into the first team squad.

Tegan Freeman made 12 first-team appearances last season, scoring a debut goal in a League Cup tie against Sevenoaks Town.

Brad Santos and Nic D’Arienzo made appearances from the bench last season, and James Beresford was yet to make his debut for the Rooks.

Of last season’s squad, stalwart centre-half Alex Malins will be back for another season along with two more long-serving players, Leon Redwood and Ronnie Conlon.

Left-sided player Redwood battled back from injury last season to make 25 appearances while winger Conlon recovered from injury in early 2020 and did well towards the end of campaign with a stunning goal away at Wingate & Finchley.

Also on board is Aaron Cosgrave, who can play wide or as a No9. He joined from Langton’s old club Welling United in February and his energetic performances helped spark a change in fortune in the final games of the season.

Manager Langton is pleased with how the Rooks squad is taking shape but is keen to add another central midfielder and centre-half.

“I’m delighted to have agreed terms with all these players. This is a mixture of promoting youth and retaining familiar key faces.

“Aaron Cosgrave will be now joining us permanently which I am obviously very pleased about.

“We’re not far away from we want but I’m in no hurry.

“There are a lot of good players available but at the moment some have insane financial requests.

“There will be players in our price range but if I had to, I could put out a good XI tomorrow. I’m prepared to be patient for the right players.”

Langton has been leading distanced training groups for the past three Saturdays and is looking forward to being able to step that up to full training – but remains concerned teams will be able to start the season proper without having had enough preparation time.

Three players have been confirmed as leaving the Dripping Pan – and fans will be sorry to see them go.

Youngster Harry Reed has joined Burgess Hill Town in pursuit of regular first team football. Reed came through the Lewes academy and made hs first-team debut three seasons ago, helping the side win promotion from the Isthmian south in 2018.

Frankie Chappell has left after three seasons, 133 appearances and six goals for the Rooks. He had been at Lewes since a 2016 move from Folkestone Invicta and had a spell as club captain.

James Hammond has agreed to join Eastbourne Borough for an undisclosed fee. Hammond played 199 games for the Rooks and scored 32 goals in five years at the Pan.

Lewes chairman Stuart Fuller thanked departing the trio. “It is always sad seeing players like Frankie, Harry and Hammo leaving,” he said.

“I spoke to each personally during the summer and know that in each instance there were different circumstances that led them to decide to leave.

“All three served the club brilliantly and were great ambassadors for the Rooks. We will certainly miss them on and off the pitch.”