Page sees Hornets as stepping stone

Page, 20, joined the Hornets on a 12-month contract this week after being released by Milton Keynes Dons.

The 6ft 4in defender hopes it will re-launch a professional career which hit the buffers with the arrival of Paul Ince in Milton Keynes.

He said: "Sometimes you have to take a step back to go forward. I hope to return to a Football League club by the end of the contract."

Page is convinced his personal crusade will help Ryman premier Horsham earn promotion to the Blue Square south.

He said: "Promotion is achievable. I definitely feel I can play my part. I've got plenty of non-league experience with MK Dons loaning me out.

"I played about ten games for Cambridge United in the Blue Square premier. I also made 38 appearances for Hendon last season, including two against Horsham. The manager has freshened up the squad with some good signings."

Martin Allen gave Page his only League start for MK Dons against Albion at Withdean two years ago. He scored as his side lost at Withdean.

Page said: "Brighton had a couple of good strikers. One of them was Jake Robinson, who was in good form. But I thought I played them well and it was a bonus to score. It was a big day for me and my family were there to witness it.

"I'll always be grateful to Martin Allen for giving me the opportunity. We got on well but when he left for Leicester and Paul Ince came in it changed. I didn't get on well with the new manager and I went out on my loan spells. That's football.

"Horsham came in after MK Dons released me at the end of the season. I met manager John Maggs, who knew my dad Terry, who played for him when he was Crawley manger.

"I was impressed with him and the ambitions he had for the club. He was the reason I signed."

Page, who was associated with Crystal Palace in his mid-teens, may be joined by brother Jack, 18, who has been with Leyton Orient.

He said: "Jack is weighing up his options. Welling are interested but he might like to come and play with his big brother at Horsham."