Rebels sign former Seagulls left-back

Rents, 28, began his career at Brighton & Hove Albion and played 30 times for the Seagulls. He then spent three years at Crawley Town, which included a loan spell at Hayes & Yeading, before he played for Gateshead, Sutton United, Margate and Whitehawk, where he finished last season.

He played with fellow Rebels new signing Kane Wills at Margate last year and put pen to paper on a deal at Woodside Road this morning.

Along with Wills and Rents, Reis Stanislaus is the other new face at Worthing this summer having joined from Molesey, while the majority of Rebels’ squad from last season are set to sign on for the upcoming campaign in the next few days.

Rents said: “I’m glad to get it all tied up and I’m looking forward to working with Jon (Meeney) and Gary (Elphick; joint managers). I’ve known both of them for quite a while now, especially Gary, and the infrastructure they’ve got going on here is something I wanted to get on board with.

“I’m happy to stay in the local area as well, that was a main priority for me, so I’m glad to get it wrapped up and I’m looking forward to getting started now.

“Coming over from Whitehawk, my main aim was to stay in the area. Even as far as London, I’ve had enough of travelling now. I’m getting married this month and I’ve got other things going on, so staying in the local area was a main priority.”

Rents admitted he had other offers but the professional way things are done at Worthing was one of the reasons he joined the club.

He said: “There were a few things on the table but coming here everything is done professionally and I’m looking forward to playing on a artificial pitch. You haven’t got to worry about a rubbish pitch every week and they do things as professional as possible. Even when you’re playing in non league, it is nice to still have that professional feel about it.”

Rebels joint boss Meeney said: “I’m very pleased and he’s a key signing again. He’s a player that is joining for the right reasons and has a lot to give on and off the pitch. He’s another game manager that we desperately need going up the leagues.

“He’s a very good age and is a very good role model who I think will definitely help us on and off the pitch - not just on the pitch regarding matches but also training. With the standards that he sets for himself and others, it can only aid the progression of our young players.”

Worthing joint manager Elphick added: “I’m absolutely delighted to get Sam here and I thank everyone who has got the extra funds together to push the deal over the line.

“I always thought about bringing Rentsy in and to seal him at Worthing Football Club is a huge statement of intent from us and I’m delighted with the squad that we’ve assembled.”

Don’t miss out on all the latest breaking news where you live.

Here are four ways you can be sure you’ll be amongst the first to know what’s going on.

1 Make this website your homepage

2 Like our Facebook page at facebook.com/pages/Sport-Sussex

3 Follow us on Twitter @SportSussex

4 Register with us by clicking on ‘sign in’ (top right corner). You can then receive our daily newsletter AND add your point of view to stories that you read here.

And do share with your family and friends - so they don’t miss out!