Pitchero Non League

Gary Charman

The fans’ favourite quit to test himself in the Blue Square Bet South with Eastbourne Borough twelve months ago, and his release at the end of last season prompted a concerted effort to bring him back to Gorings Mead.

Charman will be sponsored by Horsham’s fans, which has ensured his return.

Committee chairman Adam Hammond paid tribute to the efforts of club chairman Kevin Borrett, CEO John Lines and the committee in paving the way for the deal, and to HISC who will be making a significant contribution towards Charman’s wages for the coming season.

"This is great news for the club and will give everyone a lift ahead of the new season," he said. "Gary’s never-say-die attitude has made him a firm favourite with the fans over the years and he’s sure to make a massive contribution to our success next season.

“We all recognise the benefits Gary’s arrival can give to the club and everybody involved should take a lot of credit for getting the deal done, not least Gary himself who could easily have earned himself more money by signing for one of the many other clubs who were interested in taking him on. We're also extremely grateful to HISC for their assistance in helping out with the finances."

Charman played 503 times for the Hornets in a thirteen-year career and currently stands third on the list of Horsham’s all-time record appearances, just ten behind Mark Chaplain, and becomes the club’s sixth arrival of the summer.

"First and foremost, I would like to say how absolutely delighted I am that Gary has agreed to come back to Horsham after a year away," said manager Simon Colbran. "His experience and battling qualities are something that we missed last season but, in addition to that, he’s a really nice bloke, is very knowledgeable about the game, and is a real favourite with the supporters who I’m sure will be happy to see him back in a Horsham shirt.

“There is no question that he has the ability to continue playing at a higher level so I’d like to thank everyone concerned for helping to make this all possible. The priority has always been to have Gary here as a player but, with Wayne Clarke stepping aside to concentrate on playing, it’s a real bonus that he has agreed to become my assistant, although I would rather see him out there on the pitch than next to me on the sidelines!

“At this stage I would also like to place on record my thanks to Wayne for his help last season and I’m pleased that he has agreed to stay on and push to get himself in to the starting eleven because he’s a fantastic player."

Colbran hinted there may still be changes to the squad, with two trial matches planned for next week. "I’m expecting a number of last season’s squad to move on," he continued, "and am hopeful of picking up one or two players next week but whatever happens I’m really confident that we will go in to the season with a strong and competitive side."

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