Hare`s Back at Boro

Manager Tommy Widdrington has agreed a deal to bring Gillingham's Josh Hare to Priory Lane.

Hare, who will turn 22 in the first week of the new season, spent two loan spells at Priory Lane, the first briefly as a youngster in 2012, and the second in 2014/15, when his form in a ten-match run was so impressive that Gillingham recalled him and put him straight into their first-team.

A serious injury put his progress on hold, but after spending the final weeks of last season on loan in the Ryman League Premier Division at Leatherhead, to ease himself back, Hare is now fully fit and raring to go.

A powerful cover-the-ground midfielder or full-back, he has a quick footballing brain and a real appetite for the game.

The footballing brain is no surprise. Hare's father Darren – newly-installed as manager of Hastings United - is a widely respected coach, and former player, across the South-East, and a leading figure in the Gillingham coaching set-up. And uncle Andy Hessenthaler has an equally great reputation as coach and manager. Hare was no doubt learning tactics from age three with the Marmite jars on the breakfast table.

"This is an excellent deal for all parties," said Widdrington. "Josh made a fine impression here previously, both on the pitch and in the dressing room. I have kept tabs on his progress, and he will be a perfect fit. Even this week or so in training Josh has shown himself fighting fit and ready to deliver even more than before. He has the right ability and the right character.

“I am especially pleased that, along with a number of other players, he has agreed to a new three times a week training programme, which can only benefit the younger players and, of course, the team itself. I know that Borough supporters will join me in welcoming Josh to the Lane!"