Worthing boss Sammy Donnelly believes he has found the ideal replacement for Damian Webber.

Rebels released the former Millwall defender this week but Donnelly moved quickly to sign the experienced Geoff Ward from Horsham as his replacement.

Ward, who lives ten minutes from Woodside Road, did pre-season with Worthing but things didn't turn out and he moved to one of his former clubs. He played in Hornets' two FA Cup ties against Yeovil and ranked those games and the 2-0 win at Woodside in the Senior Cup among his career highlights.

Donnelly said: "Geoff is a local boy and I'm glad to have him with us. Damian was disappointed, he's been a model pro in the time he has been with us but it's time to start rebuilding."

Rebels went into this afternoon's game at Uxbridge without a win in 12 starts and although Donnelly wants them to try and improve on last season's fifth placed finish he is realistic enough to admit that their promotion bid is fading fast.

"There are still 19 games left, but we're not on a favourable run at the moment," he added. "We'll be trying to do better than last season, but we have got to be realistic and start looking at the squad for next season."

The return of Mark Burt, Lee Cox and Neil Francis from injury this afternoon have increased Donnelly's options although Marc Rice, Danny Smith and Neil Winter all complete suspensions on Tuesday when Rebels visit Aylesbury.

Webber, who was not on contract, is pondering whether or not to carry on playing after his Woodside exit.

"I'm disappointed to have to go at this stage because I'd like to have gone through until the end of the season," he said. "It's thrown me a bit and I don't really know what I'm going to do now although I still love the game.

"If someone phones me and I fancy the challenge then I might play elsewhere, you never say never.

"I'm 32 which might seem a bit young to be packing it in, but as you get older your responsibilities increase and my work is getting busy. We'll just have to see what happens."