‘Best in non-league’ goalkeeper rejoins Horsham

Mark Zawadski, who played in yellow and green between 2010 and 2011, has returned to Gorings Mead after his surprising release by Ryman Premier side Bognor Regis Town.

Zawadski told the County Times that his previous experience working with Charman and assistant manager Rob Frankland was a factor in his return to the club.

He said: “I know Gary Charman very well - he is a good guy and I trust him.

“He is a player I respect highly and a manager in his early days, but I see no doubt about his quality as a manager, so I think the club have made a very sensible choice.

“It is quite a nice feeling when a manager clearly holds you in high regard, and it gives me some confidence having just been released.”

According to Horsham FC website Hornets Review, Frankland described 6ft 4inch Zawadski as ‘the best (goalkeeper) in non-league’.

The keeper said that since leaving Horsham in the summer of 2011, he has followed the club’s fortunes from afar.

He said: “I like the club and I always look out for their results so it is a club I hold close to my heart.

“I was released by Bognor which was not something I was anticipating, but that’s football, you have to roll with the punches.”

Horsham are currently languishing at the wrong end of the Ryman South table, ahead of tonight’s (Wednesday February 19) scheduled clash with Faversham Town.

But Zawadski is determined to help the club pick up some much-needed points after a two-month spell where a majority of fixtures have been postponed.

He said: “I want to try to get the goals conceded per game ratio down a bit because it is not fantastic, and push the club up towards mid-table rather than looking over our shoulders.

“My distribution is pretty good, I don’t know many who will beat me in distance and accuracy.

“I am quite dominating and quite loud. I can come across as quite aggressive on the field - not that I am off it - but I think you need to have it in certain positions.”

Zawadski also indicated he may not be the only new signing for the Hornets, adding ‘it is nice for a player when a manager is looking to bring in players that you rate yourself’.

Following keeper Michael Hunter’s exit due to work-related commitments, Kieron Thorp had been expected to take over in goal, but Zawadski provides him with competition for the number one jersey.