Worthing Football Club have confirmed the arrival of Adam Hinshelwood to fill their Head Coach vacancy, much to fan delight, following Chris Agutter’s departure to Sutton United earlier this month.
Hinshelwood has signed a near three-year deal, committing to The Rebels until May 2028. His first game back will see him take charge of Worthing’s FA Cup Fourth Round Qualifying tie against Robbie Savage’s Forest Green Rovers.
After being dismissed by York City and replaced by Stuart Maynard, Hinshelwood returns to the South Coast where he made his home sporadically for nine years from 2013 until 2024, before being poached by the then struggling Minstermen.
This marks Hinshelwood’s third spell in charge of the National League South side, who currently find themselves in Non-League’s second tier thanks in large part to his previous success at Woodside Road.
A manager with the experience and credibility to assess his options in the Football League, it will be to the delight of Worthing fans that one of their most cherished figures has decided to return.
The Oxford-born boss will be eager to justify the jubilation surrounding his return and to propel Worthing up the table, potentially mounting a promotion push to improve upon last season’s finish.
Having won the Isthmian League in the 2021/2022 season with a remarkable 97 points, Hinshelwood is no stranger to success in Sussex.
During Worthing’s title-winning campaign, Hinshelwood relied on goalkeeper Harrison Male, Joe Felix, and the prolific Ollie Pearce, who scored 35 league goals that season. All three would later follow their manager to York City, where Pearce went on to win National League Player of the Season.
Appointed by York City in February 2024, Hinshelwood inherited a side hovering just one point above relegation, but he steered them to safety and laid the groundwork for a promotion push.
The following season, York thrived under his leadership, amassing 96 points and finishing second in the National League, earning a playoff spot for Football League promotion.
Although they fell short to Oldham Athletic in the semi-finals, Hinshelwood strengthened his squad ahead of the next campaign, bringing in Hiram Boateng from Mansfield Town and Alex Newby from Altrincham among others.
Despite an unbeaten start to the new season, Hinshelwood was dismissed after a 1-1 draw at Woking, a move that sparked anger among York fans. He was soon replaced by former Notts County boss Stuart Maynard.
After just over a month out of management, Hinshelwood has now found his way back to Worthing, ready to stabilise and revitalise a team left unsettled by Agutter’s early-season departure.
Hinshelwood’s immediate task is to lift The Rebels from 15th place in the National League South. His first three fixtures will be against Chelmsford City, Chesham United, and Dover Athletic — all within touching distance in the table.
Worthing fans will be hopeful that under a familiar and trusted leader, the team can rediscover their rhythm and begin to climb once again.
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