We are only one week into the season and Worthing’s dramatic 3-4 win at Weston Super Mare will be hard to top. Despite going into the interval 3-0 down, The Rebels mounted an incredible comeback to emerge 4-3 victors. Ahead of their trip to St Albans, we sat and spoke to Worthing’s Danny Cashman – the scorer of the winner. We discussed all things Worthing and his career to date.
Danny Cashman came through the ranks at Brighton, captaining their Under 18s team, until eventually being released in 2021. From here he would join Coventry, before being sent out on numerous loans across the country – something he struggled to acclimatise to.
“[It was hard], not being secure and having structure in terms of knowing where I’ll be and finding a place to stay put.
“I was always on the move, in and out of squads and it can take its toll on you when you’re a young player, especially when away from home. From an outsider’s perspective, you don’t really see the everyday sacrifice- yes the money is good and I’m very thankful for that, but no amount of money can change how you feel in certain situations.”
When at Coventry, Cashman went on loan to Rochdale, Walsall and Altrincham, struggling to make an impact. On leaving The Robins, Cashman decided to drop down to the sixth tier and join Worthing, a decision he described as his ‘best ever’.
“If I’m being brutally honest, I wanted to quit football. I was at Altrincham and wasn’t playing well, so after a game, I rang Coventry and was honest and told them I wasn’t enjoying my football and wanted to stop.
“I just needed to leave the ‘full time’ environment and see and spend time with friends. Semi-professional football is obviously different in many ways from professional football, but I’m loving it. It’s the best thing I’ve ever done.”
Worthing is the 23-year-olds first experience of semi-professional football, having been plunged into Brighton Academy at a young age. He enjoyed a stellar debut campaign, scoring 15 goals from attacking midfield and is widely regarded as one of the best players in the division.
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Playing just off the striker, Cashman is a real joy to watch. A smart player, capable of drifting wide and finding space in the pocket, there is a real delightful arrogance to his game. While off the pitch Cashman believes in his ability, he has a very mature head on his shoulders and is humble and open in the way he speaks about football.
This summer, we have seen an abundance of players move from the non-League scene to play in the EFL, highlighting the importance of just playing football at a young age – regardless of the level.
“It definitely is an ego thing [players not wanting to play semi-professional]. I can understand it to an extent – I was the same. I wondered what people would think of me, of the standard.
“But once you swallow your pride and do it, it can do wonders for your career. More and more teams are looking at this level for players, so even if it’s for a short period – swallow your pride and just play football.”
There are obvious differences between professional and semi-professional football. The money is different, the schedule is different, and the pressure is different. Adapting to the changes can be difficult for a young player, but it is a change that will shape a player.
“Before last year, I had always been pro and full-time. When you’re in that environment it can sometimes get on top of you. It’s a nice change though – sometimes when you’ve had a bad weekend, that Monday can sometimes get on top of you, and that extra day is a nice break away from it. It allows me to come in on Tuesday, ready to go again.
“Obviously it took some getting used to, having more time to myself and not really having a routine, but I’ve learned to love spending time by myself, and I feel in a better position now to make that transition to full-time football if the opportunity presented itself again.”
Cashman’s ability is clear to see now that he is settled and closer to home – a major reason for joining Worthing over other clubs he was linked with.
“The drop down may have surprised a few but it was a no-brainer for me. I’m closer to home, playing with my best friends [Cameron Tutt and Jack Spong] – I’m loving life. I’m playing at a club where I am loved, who play great football, it’s just a great environment to be in.”
This summer saw top goal scorer Ollie Pearce and creative maestro Joe Felix join ex-Worthing manager at Adam Hinshelwood. Speculation mounted that Cashman could be next to make the step up, but he committed his future to Worthing, signing a new contract in the summer.
“Some people probably think I can play higher. Some people probably don’t. Some people may think I’ve got a point to prove. I’m just concentrating on playing football and helping Worthing.”
Worthing have been on a climb up the divisions in recent years and have suffered unfortunate playoff heartbreak in their two seasons in the National League South. The Rebels are one of the best-run clubs in non-league, with ex-player George Dowell the owner of the club.
They provide a clear pathway to the EFL, with many players over the years leaving for pastures new. Just this summer, academy graduates Zac Jeanes and Bradley Dolaghan have departed for Swansea and West Ham respectively. Several players from their dominant youth teams are afforded the opportunity of full-time football, making Worthing an attractive proposition for budding youngsters.
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Speaking on the club’s ambition and ability to play in the EFL, Cashman was excited.
“I don’t see why Worthing can’t eventually get to the EFL. We’re definitely ready for the National League. The ground is coming along nicely, we get good crowds, and play good football- the location is a big factor too.
“The playoff defeat(s) were a big learning curve and something to build on. For sure the club will be aiming for the EFL.”
Saturday’s dramatic win over Weston Super Mare only further highlighted how well-operated the club are, with new manager Chris Agutter implementing the same attacking philosophy that saw the Rebels so successful under Adam Hinshelwood.
The 36-year-old led Hastings to their joint best-ever league finish and comes with a wealth of experience in coaching, despite his young age. The appointment was met with scepticism from those unfamiliar with him, but it is an appointment that is hugely popular with the squad.
“He’s brilliant. He’s settled in very well; the boys really like him and I think he’s great for the group.
“He lives and breathes football. He’s very meticulous about every small detail, whether it be in training or the match, he’s very switched on.”
It would be Agutter’s mixture of tactical nous and man-management skills that saw Worthing win on Saturday, as well as weeks of preparation. Cashman scored the winning penalty and credits the work of goalkeeper coach Ben Cornelius.
“Obviously Ollie [Pearce] was on penalties last year and when he left I put myself forward for them. I had a weird dream the night before that I was going to score a penalty, so when the chance arose, I had to take it.
“The goalkeeper coach and I went through the keeper’s last few penalties, so I knew where to put it. For some reason, I took an extra step than I usually do, but it seemed to work. Of course, there was pressure on the kick, but I thrive on that pressure.”
The victory was the first step towards a hopeful promotion for the Rebels. After two playoff defeats in a row, the ambition this year is to go one further.
“There’s no beating around the bush – we want promotion. We know how hard it will be with the teams coming down, there are probably four or five teams on paper who look strong to win the title.”
Worthing are in good shape to eventually make the leap to the National League and have a squad to match their ambition with Danny Cashman the crown jewels.
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