After a period of training with the Rebels over the summer and a handful of appearances as a Trialist, Wadham has put pen to paper on a deal at the Sussex Transport Community Stadium.
In doing so, the 23-year-old has entered his third separate stint as a player at Woodside Road, following previous loans from Premier League outfit AFC Bournemouth and Sutton United.
The midfield magician was initially recruited by Adam Hinshelwood in January 2024 on a temporary deal from the Cherries to aid the Rebels’ promotion charge from the National League South.
However, it was under Interim Manager Aarran Racine that the loanee truly endeared himself to his fleeting fans, with a dramatic goal that was voted as the overwhelming winner of the Club’s 2023/24 Goal of the Season accolade.
🗣️ "Wadham with the shot… OH MY WORD! WADHAM, WHAT A GOAL! WHAT A GOAL BY WADHAM!"
Utter disbelief, @PeterVale8 🤣 pic.twitter.com/9YBjNFoArQ
— Worthing FC (@WorthingFC) March 5, 2024
With an away outing against Chelmsford in early March heading towards a goalless draw, the ball broke to the then 21-year-old on the edge of the box following a corner. Without hesitating, Wadham struck a technically-sublime volley into the top corner to steal all three points, sending the travelling support into raptures in the process.
He consistently continued to produce important displays in the middle park as the Reds progressed all the way through to the National League South play-off final before just falling short to Braintree Town in added time.
19 appearances in his first spell was joined by seven more a few months later, as Wadham rejoined the Club on another loan, this time from Sutton.
His time at Woodside was cut short in November 2024, as he was recalled by his parent club before turning out 25 times in the National League.
Unfortunately, a significant knee injury disrupted his most recent campaign, limiting him to just 11 league appearances. Now fully fit, the ex-Bournemouth U18s skipper is back to fulfill unfinished business.
Now reunited with the creative spark, Manager Adam Hinshelwood revealed: “We’re delighted to have Jack join us again – a player that we know well, adds real value and is suited to our style of play.
“On top of that, Wads has that vital National League experience, which is such an important asset for our side. I can’t wait to see him in that Red shirt again at Woodside.”
In similar fashion to his manager, Wadham shared the excitement of his return: “I’m really happy to have been given the opportunity to come back to Worthing.”
“I always hoped I’d be back here at some point, so I’m glad this time it’s permanent.” – JW
“I can’t wait for the season to get underway and to play in front of the home fans,” Wadham continued.
Jack has already participated in this summer’s pre-season campaign, featuring against former side AFC Bournemouth’s U21s and Frome Town at the weekend. The Englishman continues to be available for selection for tomorrow evening’s friendly against Queens Park Rangers U21s at the Sussex Transport Community Stadium.
Welcome back, Jack!
Originally published by Worthing FC ↗