Ex-Hatter signs for National League South side Worthing

Former Luton defender Glen Rea has signed for National League South side Worthing

The 29-year-old had been without a club since leaving Kenilworth Road by mutual consent last month, ending his seven year stint in Bedfordshire where he played 207 times and was a major part of the Hatters’ promotions from League Two and League One, along with Town’s Great Escape from Championship relegation as well.

Unfortunately, two serious knee injuries were to curtail his Luton career, as Rea had loan spells at Wigan Athletic and Cheltenham Town before agreeing to move on.

Born in Brighton, the ex-Ireland U21 international has now joined a Rebels side managed by one-time Seagulls defender Adam Hinshelwood, with former Town loanee Jake Robinson on the books too.

Rea made his debut last night, coming on early in the second half as Worthing lost 4-1 to Hampton & Richmond, but speaking about his departure from the Hatters, boss Rob Edwards had said: “He had a fantastic Luton career.

"He was a big influence on the club progressing through the leagues and then had some horrific injuries which ultimately probably cost him more game time for this football club.

"But I want to say a massive thank you to Glen.

"I’ve said this to him as well, he’s always welcome back here any time.

"I’m sure we’ll see him in with the fans in certain games when he’s able to and we’ll give him a really warm welcome whenever he’s back.

"We’re big on team and togetherness, that’s really important to me, but it’s been a big reason why we’ve had success, and Glen was a big part of that, a really big part of that.

"He was a fantastic servant for this football club.”

Although he never got to play for the Hatters under Edwards, Rea was keen to thank the Town boss for always keeping him involved during his time with at Luton, adding: “As nice a guy he is to everyone in the media, he’s exactly the same to the players.

"As soon as he came in, we bought in to what he wanted to do.

"I didn't have much opportunity to see what he did on the playing side, but the way he made everyone feel was he just like everyone was part of it and I want to thank him for everything he's done,

“On the personal side, he was nothing but honest with me the whole time that he had been here and I just want to wish him and all the staff and all players, everyone, nothing but success for the future as they deserve it,

“He’s mentioned it before, it wasn't a sinking ship, he's come into quite a good thing, but it’s just gone to a different level and it has gone to a different level in the Premier League.

"He's been great and I can't thank him enough.”