FOOTBALL: Fenelon so thankful to Rebels

CHAMAL Fenelon could well be playing league football next season, but the big striker would love to return to Worthing if his promising plans fall through, after the campaign just gone with Rebels helped him fall in love with football again.

Fenelon, 26, who has played for a host of teams around the county, including Lewes and Horsham, finally settled at Worthing this season, and his impressive form has caught the eye of many league sides, including Port Vale boss Micky Adams.

Fenelon, who netted five times for Rebels in 15 appearances, has now been invited to both Vale and Dagenham & Redbridge for pre-season training, and has also attracted interest from other league sides.

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He was on the verge of signing professionally for Millwall around 10 years ago but off-field problems ended his dreams. Now the striker is looking forward to the future and how things progress.

He said: "Personally, things are looking good. I've been working hard on my game and the diet and it's great to be enjoying my football again.

"I won't really now how I stand with my trials and things until next season. I've been asked to go to Port Vale pre-season and a few other clubs have shown an interest, but it's difficult with these clubs until they set anything it concrete."

Fenelon admits he enjoyed the season at Worthing and owes a lot to everyone at the club, while he was also disappointed not to give a parting-gift of promotion into the Ryman League Premier division.

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He said: "After the first time I was here, earlier in the season and I didn't turn up for a game, for the manager to have back for a second chance, and all the players to accept me, was excellent.

"There are only a few clubs around with fans like this as well. All the support from them has made me want to play '“ they have been excellent.

"I was at Lewes a couple of years ago and things started to go pear shaped. I was in a car crash, which stopped me playing, and I put on a lot of weight '“ basically I got fat.

"After that, I played for a few clubs, kicking around in County 3 but, one day, I randomly saw Macca (Worthing assistant manager Simon McMenemy) in Brighton Marina.

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"He encouraged me to come down to Worthing and, since then, I've really got my drive back. I'm now back working again as well, so it has been great for me. Before, I was just sitting at home playing Call of Duty on the computer, shooting kids all day.

"Everyone has been really supportive, though, especially Macca, who even took the day off work to drive me up to Dagenham to meet them up there."

Fenelon quickly turned into a hit with both fans and players this year, and the striker has been unfazed by the many off-field problems at Woodside Road this season, hinting he may yet be back in a Rebels shirt.

He said: "No one would ever turn down the opportunity of league football and no one would ever hold me back.

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"Although, if things don't work out, I would definitely like to be here again next season, as there really aren't many clubs like this around."

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