The highly-rated forward initially joined the club on loan earlier this year in February but it was cut short having only featured on four occasions. He got off to a flying start on the South Coast, scoring on debut at Aveley and providing two assists a week later against Dover.

Boss Chris Agutter is excited to be working with the winger, “Tommy is one of our most important additions to the Club. His ability to not only play between lines and carry the ball but to also stretch the game and threaten in behind will give our attack real variation.

“He’s a real goal threat and adds serious firepower to our attacking options. Tommy’s energy and physicality out-possession will also help us from a defensive perspective. He’s honest, hardworking and won’t shirk his defensive responsibilities”.

He frustratingly picked up a hamstring injury in his third appearance for the club last season which kept him out of action for six weeks. On his return, coming on as a half-time substitute at Havant & Waterlooville, Tommy helped turn the game on its head as he netted one of the Rebels’ four second-half goals to win 1-5.

The 23-year-old was immediately recalled by Aldershot Town to play a part in their play-off push at the end of the season. On his return to the Shots, Tommy made his 100th appearance for the Shots in a defeat against Hartlepool Town.

“I feel that there is some serious unfinished business here for me,” said Willard, “right now it’s the best step in my career.

I think Worthing has got a huge platform for me to go and show what I’m really about and establish myself in such a good footballing team.Tommy Willard

The winger has had previous experience in the National League South after joining Farnborough on loan for the last couple of months of the 2022/23 season. He featured on seven occasions for Boro and bagged a hattrick in their home win against Slough Town.

Willard was a product of the Southampton academy, before moving up north to Barnsley in 2017. After three years with the Tykes, he made the move to Aldershot Town.