Rooks win race for Cup star

Hastings United's FA Cup hero Jack Dixon has become the latest Sussex-based star to move to the Ryman League's Dripping Pan, writes Kevin Brook.

The talented midfielder, pictured, was one of the stars of Hasting's headline-making run to the FA Cup Third Round last season and the delighted Rooks say they beat a number of other clubs to his signature.

The ambitious Dixon, 22, is looking forward to teaming up with Lewes' management team of Garry Wilson and Danny Bloor and said signing for club proved to be an easy decision after meeting them and training with the Rooks squad.

Dixon, whose signing was officially announced by the Premier Division club on Tuesday, said: "I have previous experience of both Garry and Danny. I nearly signed for Garry down at Borough about four years ago and I spent a while at Eastbourne Town when Dan first arrived before settling back at Rye in the Sussex County League.

"I was ambitious then but as I made my Rye debut at 16 I was probably still a bit raw. My time with Rye toughened me up and I feel I have progressed again, having spent the last two years with Hastings United in the Ryman Premier.

"The FA Cup run was unbelievable, I really enjoyed every second and it has given me such confidence. I now want to play at the highest levels I can. Having met up with Garry and Danny again, I was very flattered that they wanted me to be a part of their plans at Lewes FC.

"The club's recent history is in the Conference League and that's where we all want to go. I've trained with the lads a few times and Garry and Dan have explained their plans but, to their credit, they have pretty much left me to see and experience things for myself before deciding where I wanted to play.

He added: "In truth, it hasn't been a difficult decision. I know plenty of the people here, I feel very comfortable and I feel the club's ambition more than matches mine, on and off the field.

"I also recognise that Lewes has very passionate supporters too. I know how important that will be this season, as Hastings found such inspiration from their fans in the Cup run. I'm really looking forward to being involved on Wednesday against Eastbourne Town."

Lewes boss Wilson said: "I think we have signed a very talented boy in Jack. He fits our profile perfectly. He's young and ambitious and he wants to improve and progress. Many clubs were interested in signing him but Danny and I are very pleased he has pledged himself here.

"I nearly signed him as a youngster but he really needed to be playing regularly. I have followed his career with interest, culminating with an outstanding man of the match performance against Harrogate Town in the FA Cup."

Bloor was also delighted at capturing Dixon and added: "Jack is a smashing lad. Both Garry and I have always monitored his progress as he has developed into one of the top players in Sussex. He knows this division well and will be a big asset for our football club over the next few years.

"You are never confident about signing someone until they sign the forms but, having told Dicko our plans, we left him to ponder things and he quickly came back to say he would love to come to the Pan. It seems we are becoming a club where good players want to play and that can only be a good thing."

Lewes FC host Eastbourne Borough on Wednesday [July 17] at the Dripping Pan. Kick-off is at 7:45pm.

Tickets are priced at £6 for adults, £4 for concessions and kids under 16 go free. Lewes FC Owners receive a £1 discount.