Worthing boss: We won't feel sorry for ourselves - we want to do even better next season

The men from Woodside Road were clear leaders of the division when football was halted in March. But they are almost certain to be back at square one in 2020-21 as hopes fade that the FA’s decision to expunge results for non-league steps three and below can be overturned. Hinshelwood admitted having a fine season written off would be a big blow but said he, his staff and players would have to take it on the chin and make sure they were ready to mount another serious title bid in the new campaign. He is confident he will keep the majority of the squad together and add up to four new additions – including a goalkeeper to replace 18-year-old star Carl Rushworth, who excelled on loan from Brighton but who Albion are likely to have other plans for next term. “I’ve been trying to keep in touch with all the players the best I can and I’m hoping that after Sunday, when the government are due to announce what’s happening next in the lockdown, I might have a bit more I can say about a date when something might be possible,” he said. “The players are all healthy and keeping themselves fit – they’re a good group and are self-policing themselves really in that regard. “From my point of view I have to plan as if we will have another tough season in the Isthmian premier. “It’s going to be difficult because expectations change a little once you’ve had a good season. “No-one would have put us down as leaders or favourites at the start of the season but next time visiting clubs might hold us in higher esteem and make it harder for us. “But we certainly won’t be feeling sorry for ourselves over how we have missed out. “This is an unprecedented situation and people’s health had to come first. It’s unfortunate but what can you do? “It’s typical that it’s happened while we were on the verge of history but we will dust ourselves down and get on with it. “All we’ve tried to do each season is improve year on year. “We want a better points total for the same stage of the season, more goals scored, fewer goals conceded.” Hinshelwood feels the large majority of squad have enjoyed the past season and will be up for another attempt at promotion to National League South, the highest level the club would ever have played. “From conversations I’ve had everyone seems positive,” said Hinshelwood. “They’re disappointed at what’s happened but are ambitious and want to test themselves again. I’m hopeful I can keep them together. “We have a close-knit group. “A lot of them are from the Brighton area and some travel in together. It’s all good for chemistry and team bonding and that’s all part of having a successful club.” Hinshelwood is accepting of the fact keeper Rushworth – who attracted a huge amount of interest while on loan from Brighton’s academy – will not be back with the Mackerel Men, and the manager said a new No1 was his priority, while he hoped up to another four additions could be found to strengthen the squad. He added: “We have good links with Brighton so we’ll see if we can do anything else with them. “That’s an arrangement that suits both clubs because we can benefit from having some good young players, and they are getting their players out to play football at a level they wouldn’t otherwise experience. “It’s the same as Bognor’s links with Pompey, it works well. “But although we’re looking to improving the squad I don’t envisage wholesale changes. “The group are hungry to improve and the nucleus of the squad is young. The experience of the season just gone will stand them in good stead.”