Overview
Josh Hare, born on August 12, 1994, in Canterbury, England, is a professional footballer predominantly known for his role as a right-back. Standing at 1.83 meters (6 ft 0 in), Hare’s physical attributes complement his energetic and committed approach to the game. An English national, he has spent the majority of his career competing in various tiers of the English football league system, earning a reputation as a dependable and hard-working defender. His career path has seen him represent several clubs, contributing both defensively and in attack from the wide areas.
Position
Hare operates primarily as a right-back, a position that demands both defensive acumen and an ability to contribute to offensive play. In this role, he is tasked with nullifying opposing wingers, providing defensive cover, and offering width in attack. His experience in this position has allowed him to develop a comprehensive understanding of its requirements, from tracking back to making overlapping runs. While predominantly a right-back, Hare's versatility has occasionally seen him deployed in other defensive roles, showcasing his adaptability across the backline.
Identity
Josh Hare's footballing identity is characterized by his industrious work rate, tactical discipline, and consistent performance levels. He is recognized for his stamina, allowing him to cover significant ground along the right flank throughout a match. As a modern full-back, Hare combines diligent defensive duties with a willingness to push forward, deliver crosses, and support attacks. His reliability and commitment to team objectives have made him a valued member of the squads he has represented, often acting as a consistent presence in the defensive unit.
Career path
Josh Hare's football journey began in the youth ranks before progressing into senior football, primarily within the English non-league and lower professional divisions. His career has been marked by a series of moves that have allowed him to gain extensive experience and develop his game.
Gillingham and early loans
Hare began his career in the youth system at Gillingham FC. He signed his first professional contract with the club in 2012 [1]. To gain first-team experience, he embarked on several loan spells, including stints at Whitstable Town, Maidstone United, and Dover Athletic [2]. These early experiences in non-league football provided him with valuable exposure to competitive senior football, aiding his development.
Eastleigh FC
Following his departure from Gillingham, Hare joined Eastleigh FC in 2014. He became a significant player for the club, establishing himself as a regular starter at right-back. His tenure at Eastleigh saw him become a consistent performer in the National League, showcasing his attacking prowess and defensive reliability over several seasons [1].
Aldershot Town
In 2018, Hare moved to Aldershot Town, another club competing in the National League [2]. His time at Aldershot further solidified his reputation as a dependable defender in the fifth tier of English football. He continued to be a key figure on the right side of defense, contributing to both the defensive solidity and offensive transitions of his team.
Dagenham & Redbridge
Hare's career continued with a move to Dagenham & Redbridge, where he once again demonstrated his consistent performance levels in the National League. This period further highlighted his ability to adapt to different team setups and maintain a high standard of play. He was a regular fixture in the starting XI, known for his diligent work rate and commitment [1].
Maidstone United (second spell)
In 2022, Hare returned to Maidstone United, a club where he had previously had a loan spell. His return marked a significant moment for the club, bringing a wealth of experience to their defense [2]. He quickly re-established himself as a vital component of the team, continuing to showcase his capabilities as a reliable right-back in the National League South and subsequently the National League.
Playing style
Josh Hare's playing style is characteristic of a modern full-back who balances defensive responsibilities with offensive contributions. His role as a right-back demands both tactical awareness and physical endurance.
Defensive Attributes
Defensively, Hare is known for his tenacious tackling and positional discipline. He exhibits good awareness in anticipating opposition attacks, often making crucial interceptions and clearances. His ability to track back diligently and engage in one-on-one duels makes him a reliable presence against opposing wingers. Hare's defensive work rate is consistently high, ensuring he provides cover for his central defenders and prevents crosses from his flank. While detailed statistical breakdowns for specific National League seasons are not universally available, his long career in competitive non-league football attests to his consistent defensive output [1].
Offensive Contributions
Going forward, Hare is an active participant in his team's attacking phases. He possesses the stamina and willingness to make overlapping runs down the right wing, providing width and creating passing options. His crossing ability from wide areas is a key aspect of his offensive game, often aiming to deliver balls into dangerous areas for his teammates. He demonstrates good decision-making in when to join the attack and when to hold his defensive position, reflecting a balanced approach. While not a prolific goalscorer, his assists and contributions to build-up play are valuable assets to his team.
Technical and Physical Traits
Technically, Hare exhibits competence in ball control and short passing, allowing him to link up effectively with midfielders and wingers. His first touch is generally clean, enabling him to retain possession under pressure. Physically, his 1.83m stature provides him with decent aerial presence for a full-back, though his primary strength lies in his ground duels and sustained running capacity. His robust physique allows him to withstand the physical demands of English lower league football. Comparisons might be drawn to full-backs known for their consistent work rate and reliable cross-delivery, such as former Premier League full-backs who excelled in providing width and defensive stability.
Achievements & honours
Josh Hare's career, primarily spent in the competitive tiers of English non-league football, has seen him experience various team successes and personal milestones. While major top-flight trophies might not feature, his contributions have been integral to his clubs' aspirations and achievements within their respective leagues.
One notable team achievement for Hare came during his time with Maidstone United, particularly in their successful campaign to secure promotion. His consistent performances at right-back were crucial in the team's defensive solidity and ability to launch attacks from wide areas. While specific individual accolades are less commonly awarded at this level, his sustained presence and reliability in demanding leagues speak to his professional consistency.
Hare has been a key figure in squads that have competed at the top end of the National League and National League South, demonstrating his ability to contribute to winning environments. His experience in these leagues, often battling for playoff spots or promotion, represents significant collective achievements for the clubs involved.
The table below outlines some of the team honours and significant achievements during Josh Hare's career:
| Club | Competition | Season(s) |
|---|---|---|
| Maidstone United | National League South (Promotion) | 2021-22 |
This promotion with Maidstone United highlights a significant collective success where Hare played a vital role in securing a return to the National League. His consistency across multiple seasons and clubs underscores his value as a reliable professional footballer.
International career
As of the current date, Josh Hare has not earned any caps for the senior England national team. His professional career has been primarily established within the English lower leagues and non-league system, a level where players typically do not receive call-ups to the senior national squad, which predominantly draws from the Premier League and Championship.
England's national team selection process traditionally focuses on players competing at the highest levels of domestic and international football, particularly those participating in UEFA club competitions or major European leagues. While Hare has been a consistent and reliable performer for his clubs, his pathway has not included appearances in the top two tiers of English football or significant international youth tournaments that often serve as a stepping stone to senior international recognition.
There is no record of Josh Hare representing England at any youth international levels (U16, U17, U18, U19, U20, U21). Players who progress through these youth ranks often gain early exposure to international competition and are subsequently monitored for potential senior call-ups. Hare's development path has been more focused on building a robust professional career within the domestic club structure.
For players operating outside the Premier League and Championship, international recognition typically comes through exceptional individual performances that lead to moves to higher-profile clubs, or through specific non-league international selections, which are distinct from the primary England national team. Hare's career reflects a commitment to club football and contributing to the success of his respective teams, rather than pursuing an international pathway.
What makes Josh Hare stand out
Josh Hare stands out primarily for his unwavering consistency and tactical intelligence as a right-back in the demanding environment of English non-league football. His ability to maintain a high level of performance over numerous seasons across various clubs is a testament to his professionalism and dedication.
One key trait is his balanced approach to the full-back role. Hare is not merely a defensive stopper; he possesses the engine and inclination to make impactful forward runs, providing essential width and delivering crosses into the box. This dual threat makes him a valuable asset, capable of contributing significantly to both defensive solidity and offensive impetus. His decision-making in when to commit forward and when to hold his position is often praised, reflecting a strong understanding of game situations.
Furthermore, Hare's leadership qualities, even if not always wearing the armband, are evident in his consistent application and communication on the pitch. He is known for his calm demeanor under pressure and his ability to organize the defensive line around him, attributes that are highly valued by coaches. His reliability makes him a player a manager can depend on week in, week out.
Hare is a professional who gives his all every single game. You know exactly what you're going to get from him.