Men's football news
Written by: DanielL
Antonio Morgan is one of several promising young players to have joined Lewes during the 2025-26 Isthmian League Premier Division season.
The 19-year-old has made a positive impression so far, adding pace and flair to the left wing. His recent efforts in the no. 7 shirt were rewarded with the October player of the month award as chosen by club owners.
Morgan signed for National League South side Tonbridge Angels over the summer, aligning him with current Lewes manager Craig ‘Pitts’ Nelson.
He came to The Dripping Pan in August on a dual-registry agreement with the Kentish club and has become a familiar face in the Rooks starting lineup, first under previous manager Bradley Pritchard, and then under Nelson, who returned to Lewes in October.
“I’ve found it good settling in,” says Morgan. “I think it’s a good group and they’ve welcomed me well, the past gaffer and the gaffer now.
“I feel like I’ve been trusted and allowed to play my game, so I think it’s going well so far.”
Like most players, Morgan’s love of football started when he was very young, his earliest memory being kickabouts in the park with his dad.
“I started playing organised football in under 9s,” he recalls.
“Had a few trials with different clubs, but it never really stuck anywhere. I then did a scholar programme at Welling from ages 15-16 and had a good two years there, making my first-team debut, getting into the squad at 16. I was doing well.
“From there, I got a move to Bromley in their under-21 setup.
“I was in and around the first team, but didn’t manage to play for them, so I was on loan for most of the season.
“This season, I’ve gone from Bromley to Tonbridge, and from Tonbridge to dual registry here at Lewes.”
Morgan credits his family with supporting him throughout his youth football career, driving him long distances to matches and taking time off work to support his passion.
Within football, he is grateful to Jamel Wojtczak, one of his former coaches at Bromley who introduced him to Nelson.
International call-up
Family support has been particularly important for Morgan since his call-up to play international football for Antigua and Barbuda.
He made his debut for the Benna Boys in September 2024 and has won eight caps, most recently in June this year for a pair of 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying matches.
Morgan, who has an Antiguan grandmother, played the full 90 minutes in a 1-0 home defeat to Cuba, before coming on as a substitute in a 2-0 loss away to Honduras that was played in front of almost 8000 people.
“It’s amazing, honestly. Probably one of the best experiences I’ve had so far in my career,” he reflects.
“It’s been a long, hard road for me so far. I feel that was probably one of the biggest moments in my career where I could say the hard work’s paid off.
“The feeling of representing your country, when you hear that national anthem, is unmatched. An amazing feeling.”
Playing for Antigua and Barbuda involves heading to the Caribbean for a two-week training camp where roles and tactics are refined.
The camp will then culminate in one or two matches against other national sides.
For a young man who grew up in Peckham, flying nine hours to play a different style of football in a different environment has been an eye-opener.
“It’s a mad experience… London is a very vast area, and you meet different types of people.
“But when you’re playing international football, you’re meeting people who have lived a completely different life to you on the other side of the world.
“They’ve seen football, and play it, in different ways.
“Adjusting can be a struggle sometimes, but it’s definitely a very good learning experience, to see how different people see the game and to improve your game based on what other people have learnt.”
Defence and attack
Morgan has been part of the defensive lineup for Antigua and Barbuda, but has played higher up the left wing for Lewes.
This has seen him get involved in plenty of chance creation, as well as linking up with the defence when needed. Under Nelson, he has also appeared on the right flank, swapping sides with Devonte West on occasion.
Morgan says he’s happy to adapt to an attacking or defensive role, which usually depends on the requirements of the team he’s representing.
“When I was at Bromley last year, I was at wing back,” he explains, “so I was doing a bit of defending and attacking.
“When I was at Tonbridge, they played four at the back, so I had to pick one. I was playing left-back there and enjoyed it.
“I don’t mind doing either side of the game – I like to think I’m versatile and can adapt.”
Looking ahead, Morgan sees positivity and potential in the Lewes camp as the team look to lay the foundations for a strong winter leg of the season.
Since Nelson’s appointment as manager, the Rooks have secured back-to-back home wins against Cheshunt and Brentwood Town, sandwiching a draw at Cray Valley PM.
“It’s a great bunch of lads,” highlights Morgan. “It has obviously been a tough past month, but it’s been very positive, getting three points since ‘Pitts’ came back.
“We’re ready for a fresh start. I think the team can pull together and go forward.”
Quickfire questions
Q: Favourite subject at school?
AM: History.
What football team did you support growing up?
Man United.
Best goal scored in world football?
Ronaldo against Porto [in 2009].
And the best goal you’ve scored?
I’d probably say [against] Larkfield at home, for Welling, in the FA Youth Cup. Scored from about 35 yards. I cut inside on the left and shot it, near post, in the corner.
What’s a life skill you’d like to learn?
To play the piano.
If you had to stop playing football for another sport, what would it be?
Basketball.
What was your Halloween costume this year?
I didn’t have one! If I did, I’d probably dress up as a famous person like 50 Cent.
What’s a song you’ve been enjoying recently?
My 27th Birthday by Dave.