Following the club’s promotion to the fifth tier of English football, Dowell reflected on his time with Worthing FC saying “the club saved me”.
“I was in a difficult point of my life as well and I was stuck at home, twiddling my thumbs, not really knowing what to do with my life. When the opportunity came up I took it and I’m so grateful that I did for days like today,” he said.
The match against Ebbsfleet saw the club set a new attendance record with 4,002 people watching the game.
Manager Adam Hinshelwood, whose son Jack plays for Brighton & Hove Albion, said: “Jack used to come and watch, grass pitch, not as many fans.
“The stand was falling down, and today to see so many [fans], absolutely packed out, and to get to the first tier of non-league football is phenomenal for this club.”
Jack added: “They’ve been trying so hard to get out this league for the last few years, so to get it done today and now have a go at the National League, I think it’s really exciting times for the club and something for Dad and the squad to look forward to.”
