Three more players retained for 2026-27 – Lewes Community Football Club
Three more players retained for 2026-27
Men's football news
Written by: DanielL
Written by Ethan Rawlins
Lewes FC are thrilled to announce that three more men’s team players have re-signed for the 2026-27 Isthmian League Premier Division season.
Danny Bassett (above) returns for his third season in a Lewes shirt. He joined the club in 2024-25, ending the season as our top goalscorer and wearing the captain’s armband.
The forward, who featured in last Saturday’s friendly against Hastings United, voiced how “excited” he feels to be back “doing what I do best”.
Bassett refers to Lewes as a “family”, proudly saying that this was “one of the biggest” reasons he decided to join the club originally.
“Danny was a really important player for us to bring back because of what he offers both on and off the pitch,” said Lewes FC men’s first team manager Craig Nelson.
“He’s a huge personality within the group, someone the lads respect, and he plays a big part in driving the standards and togetherness we’re building.
“Last season was difficult for him after returning from his suspension.
“He never really got back to full fitness and, by his own admission, didn’t reach the levels he expects of himself.
“When we spoke over the summer, you could tell how much that hurt him, but you could also see the hunger and determination to put it right.
“We’ve all seen what Danny is capable of over the years and we know he has the quality to be one of the best forwards at this level.
“Our role is to help him get back to enjoying his football, playing with confidence and performing at his best again.
“If we do that, I’m confident he’ll be a massive player for us, score plenty of goals and help drive this team towards where we want to be.”
Ryan Bernal’s announcement came next (right, above), with the 22-year-old committing to his second year at The Dripping Pan.
The attacking right-back, after enjoying time away from football “chilling” with family and friends over the summer, spoke highly of the club when asked what motivated his return.
With a style of play which Ryan says “suits” him, he’ll be hoping to chip in with even more goal contributions after his five goals last campaign.
Tyler Christian-Law (right, below) was next to put pen to paper, with the 33-year-old committing to the club after serving as club captain for much of last season.
The defensive midfielder will be looking to use his wealth of experience, assuring his “calm, collected head on the pitch” will hopefully prove to make his Lewes side “hard to beat.”
Like much of the team, Tyler has voiced his excitement over this summer’s recruitment so far, with more leaders joining the club to add to the raw talent of the squad.
With the fixtures released, the club can look forward to the first official match involving these players: Enfield Town on 8th August.
“Bringing Ryan and Tyler back was really important for the core group and, like all of us, they know last season wasn’t good enough,” added Nelson.
“They care deeply about the club, they understand the expectations, and they’ve all got a point to prove.
“They know we owe our supporters a much better season, and they’re determined to put a few wrongs right.
“That hunger, accountability and desire to respond is exactly the mentality we want in this squad, and I’m looking forward to seeing them lead that response on the pitch.”
