Jasper Pattenden was offered a fresh start on and off the pitch when Albion let him go at the age of 16.

The wideman from Rustington has seized that chance – and signed a deal in League One this week.

He has joined Wycombe Wanderers after a successful trial towards the end of last season.

It is understood several clubs were interested in Pattenden’s services.

The move is reward for progress at Worthing, especially an excellent 2021-22 season as they won the Isthmian premier title.

Pattenden worked with current Worthing boss Adam Hinshelwood when they were coach and player at Albion’s academy.

The Mackerel Men offered him the chance of decent non-league football plus a college course as part of their new academy set-up.

He follows players including Ricky Aguiar, Omar Bugiel, Carl Rushworth (who was on loan from Albion), Lucas Covolan and David Ajiboye as Worthing players of recent seasons who are now playing in the EFL while Fin Stevens has a Premier League deal at Brentford.

Pattenden’s qualities in more than one role will be missed as Worthing move up to Vanarama National League south.

But Hinshelwood is happy to see him seize his big chance.

The Worthing boss said: “It’s a great signing for both parties.

“In the last season, he has really developed a lot and come into his own.

“He made a big impact for us last season.

“It is similar to when Ricky (now of Swindon) left. They both get to a point where they were taking training by the scruff of the neck.

“You know it’s time for them to go and I think that was the case with Jasper.

“I worked with him at Brighton in the younger teams.

“When he was released, I made the call to get him in.

“He was one of the first to sign up for our education programme.

“It is unreal now for any young player coming into our academy to see someone like who that who has come here and done three years and then got the move into League One.

“He is somebody for them to look up to.”

Hinshelwood is keen for players to prepare for life ahead should that pro deal not come.

He said: “Jasper did a BTEC Sport with us as well. They stay in education until they are 19.

“He did a college course and did training with us.

“It is a great story.

“He has really worked hard and is a really good lad.

“I’m delighted for him.

“He’s a wide player and we have played him at full-back a couple of times as well.

“I would say probably wing-back would be an ideal position for him.

“He is good going both ways – good defensively as well.

“He has played in a variety of positions for us and I think that has really helped his development.”

Worthing duo Will Seager and Dayshon Golding have moved on to Cheshunt.

But former Albion pair Adam El-Abd and Jake Robinson have signed.

Hinshelwood said: “We have pretty much recruited all the lads we wanted to from last year and added a bit more experience and a bit of know-how.

“Hopefully there are one or two youngsters who will come on trial who I am quite keen to have a look at.

“We hope they can impress.

“But, if the season were to start tomorrow, I would be really happy with what we have got.”

There is no transfer fee involved in Pattenden’s move but Worthing have secured a sell-on clause.

As part of the deal, Wycombe will visit the Crucial Environment Stadium for a friendly on August 2 (7.45pm).

Aguiar’s current club Swindon will visit Worthing on July 23 (3pm) Pre-season also includes a busy afternoon at Worthing on July 16 as they hosts both Winchester and Whitehawk.

The teams will play each other across three 60-minute matches, action starting at 1.30pm.