Released by Brighton as a teenager, Pattenden has shown a setback like that doesn’t have to stop you fulfilling your dreams.
The winger joined hometown club Worthing and believes it was the making of him.
He helped the Rebels win the Isthmian Premier in 2021-22 before landing a move to Wycombe Wanderers. He is now impressing in a run of games for the League One side.
Reflecting on his Worthing days, he told The NLP: “I absolutely loved it – NonLeague football was amazing for me. I left Brighton at 15 years old and one of my old coaches there and the manager at Worthing, Adam Hinshelwood, said come along and train.
“I was a little bit sceptical having been in the academy for so long. Going to play men’s football was a bit of a scary thought at 15, but I absolutely loved it. Being around a men’s changing room, a senior group of lads was great.
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