Men's football news
Zach Fagan has become Darren Freeman’s first summer signing as the Rooks get ready for another Bostik Premier League campaign.
The 24-year-old, who can play in either defence or midfield, was on Arsenal’s books as a youngster and has plenty of non-league experience behind him, with spells at Welling Utd, Whitehawk, Farnborough and others.
He left the Gunners at 19, but says the experience he gained at Highbury was invaluable. “I had a mixed time at Arsenal and a lot of injuries,but it was good to be around that environment,” he told us. “You obviously learn a lot, being around the first team. You learn to be a professional and it sets the standard of how you behave.”
Zach left Highbury to join Jamie Day’s Welling and did well in his time with the club, once again attracting the professional club scouts. But the manager’s departure ended his time at the club, and he’s since been with various clubs in the Bostik League and beyond.
Now he’s aiming to settle at Lewes, and is hoping for big things next season, having twice played against the Rooks for Farnborough in the FA Cup last season. “I think we should get promoted this year, in all honesty,” said Fagan. “I played against you last season, and you were a very good footballing side.”
He was also impressed by the stability of the club. “Lots of clubs get impatient and chop and change managers every season. I like that the manager’s been here a few years and has a settled squad.”
Darren is pleased to have Zach on board. “He’s ex-Arsenal and a big, strong central defender who can play in a few positions,” the gaffer said. “He can play in a pair at centre-half, in a back three, or as a holding midfielder.
“He’s 6ft 3in but very comfortable on the ball,” Darren added. “We tried to get him in at the end of last season, but missed out, so I’m very glad he’s come across now.”