Worthing make triple swoop to strengthen National League push

Worthing boss Adam Hinshelwood has strengthened his squad with a triple signing, bringing in strikers Jordan Young and Charley Kendall as well as defender Charlie Waller.

Kendall arrives for an undisclosed fee after a spell with Southend United, where he played a key role in the Shrimpers’ FA Trophy triumph last season.

The 25-year-old striker scored twice in the semi-final victory over Southport before featuring in the Wembley final win over Wealdstone.

Kendall has now made the move to Sussex as Hinshelwood continues to add National League experience to his squad.

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Real threat

Born and raised in Eastbourne, Kendall came through the academy at QPR before making his senior breakthrough with Eastbourne Borough.

Southend brought him in permanently in December 2024, going on to make 68 appearances while at Roots Hall and scoring 16 goals.

“Charley is a real threat with his pace in behind and has that all-important National League experience which we want to keep adding to the group,” said Hinshelwood.

“His goal record speaks for itself and everyone is excited to have him through the door and see him represent our club.”

Kendall is one of three new additions at the Sussex Transport Community Stadium, with Young joining permanently, also for an undisclosed fee, from Torquay United and Waller arriving on a three-month loan from League One side Milton Keynes Dons.

Important player

Young enjoyed an outstanding campaign with Torquay last season, registering 30 goal contributions in 42 appearances as the Gulls missed out on National League South promotion.

The 27-year-old, who has previously turned out for Yeovil Town and Chippenham Town, scored 18 goals in total.

This included a brace in the National League South play-off semi-final victory against Dorking Wanderers before Torquay eventually suffered heartbreak in the final as the Scottish forward ended up on the wrong side of 3-2 thriller against Hornchurch.

“Jordan is a player I have always admired when coming up against him, so I am delighted to now be working with him,” Hinshelwood revealed.

“He has great dead ball delivery and can score and assists goals from out of nowhere, so he’s going to be a really important player for us.”

Exciting prospect

Waller provides further defensive options after joining from MK Dons.

The 21-year-old stands at 6ft 4in and can operate across the left side of defence, having gained National League experience during two loan spells last season.

Waller spent a month with eventual play-off winners Rochdale before seeing out the campaign with Wealdstone, making 11 National League appearances in total.

He previously spent time with Sutton United, Billericay Town, Banbury United and Tring Athletic.

“Charlie is an exciting prospect and a left-sided defensive player who gives us the option to play with a back three,” said Hinshelwood.

“He also brings National League experience, which is another positive for us.”

The trio give Hinshelwood further options as Worthing look to build on their start to the campaign and strengthen their squad for the challenges ahead.

With two wins from their opening six games, the Rebels occupy 16th place ahead of Saturday’s clash against Barrow.

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