Both players have been training with the squad over the summer and Bates played as a trialist in a few of the pre-season outings last month at Chichester, Lewes, Whitehawk and Poole. Packham has been recovering from an injury during pre-season but is back up to full fitness now and has agreed terms with the club.
Central midfielder Jack Bates joins after a spell at Derby County, who he joined in the summer of 2022. He made 18 appearances in PL2 – Division 1 and provided two assists during the campaign. He also featured for the Rams’ U21s in the Premier League Cup and Derbyshire Senior Cup.
20-year-old Bates joined Derby from Hastings United after impressing during a trial spell with the Rams. The central midfielder also represented the England College National Team during his time with Hastings, as well as appearing for their first team in the Isthmian South-East Division. Prior to joining Hastings, Bates was a youth player at Brighton & Hove Albion.
Last season, Bates had loan spells back at Hastings under Chris Agutter and in the National League South with Hemel Hempstead Town before finishing the season with Bath City, where he made his debut against Worthing in front of the TNT Sports cameras back in March.
Boss Chris Agutter added, “Batesy adds extra quality to an already very talented midfield department. He will also add much-needed depth in midfield that will be very important in the challenge ahead.
“Jack is also another player with great pedigree having played for both Brighton & Hove Albion and Derby County-his experiences at these levels will undoubtedly help us move the group forwards”.
22-year-old defender Sam Packham is another former Brighton & Hove Albion academy member. During his time with the Seagulls, Packham featured for their U18s and U23s. In the 2022/23 season, Packham played in the EFL Trophy matches against Colchester United, Gillingham and Charlton.
In the season prior, Packham went on loan to Bohemians in the League of Ireland Premier Division. He made six appearances for the Bohs in Ireland’s top flight.
As previously mentioned, Packham has been in and around the squad during pre-season training as he has been recovering from an injury, but he is now fully fit and available to feature in tomorrow’s encounter at Hemel Hempstead Town.
Chris Agutter commented, “The best way to describe Packs is a right-footed Sam Beard – a very good athlete and a powerful runner who has real quality on the ball.
“Packs is another ex-Brighton & Hove Albion player who came through the club’s academy with the likes of Jack Spong, Danny Cashman, Cam Tutt and co, so it goes without saying he’s another player that will add extra quality and much-needed depth to our group”.
Both players’ registrations have been completed in time to be considered for selection at Hemel Hempstead tomorrow. Sam Packham will wear the number 21 shirt, while Jack Bates has taken the number 22.
