Worthing sign Ebsfleet's Chris Haigh but lose Joe Rye to Barnet

The Rebels announced the signing of Ebsfleet shot-stopper Chris Haigh, someone new manager Chris Agutter says he has “wanted to work with for years”.

But the club announced that young player of the season Joe Rye would be moving on to pastures new as he takes a step 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 as he’s everything that I want in a goalkeeper, so to finally have the opportunity to do so is very exciting.”

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 getting 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 going.

“The club plays a good style of football and wants to get promoted, that’s everything I needed to sign up.

“I think it’s important to have a bit of experience defensively. It will put me in good stead to try and help us push on.

“To help the club get to the National League is where my hunger lies. I want to go up with Worthing and get promoted.”

Joe Rye (Image: Worthing FC)

Worthing also announced that young defender Joe Rye would be leaving the club to sign with Barnet in the National League as they push for promotion to League Two.

Rye joined the club at 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 to keep 13 clean sheets in the National League South and winning Young Player of the Season at the club.