NL 2025/26 Preview: Wealdstone

8th July 2025 3:52 pm

Wealdstone FC – 2025/26 Season Preview: Survival, Reset… Repeat?

Another year, another last-day escape. Despite the heroics against Halifax to clinch survival for a fifth consecutive National League season, Wealdstone’s reward for staying up was a summer of budget cuts, managerial upheaval, and painful departures.

Now under the guidance of Sam Cox — a popular figure returning to the dugout after a short-lived Oxford City stint — the club embarks on another campaign with familiar hopes and familiar headaches: stay up, develop young talent, and upset the odds.

Whether this becomes the season the Stones finally move beyond firefighting will hinge on how efficiently Cox can stretch a slimline budget.

2024/25 Season in Review

Final Position: 20th (National League)
Average Attendance: 1,599 (17th)
FA Cup: Second Round (lost at home to Wycombe, 0–2)
FA Trophy: Third Round (lost away to Aldershot, 3–1)
Top Scorer: Alex Reid – 20 goals (all comps)

Summer Headlines

After a dramatic escape from relegation on the final day of the 2024/25 season, the Stones quickly faced the harsh financial realities of another tough campaign in the National League. With the 2025/26 season on the horizon, it was clear that the challenges would be particularly tough, especially with the increased number of long-distance trips the team would have to navigate throughout the year.

The departure of popular duo Neil Gibson and assistant manager Lee Jones came as a huge shock to almost the entire fanbase, serving as a stark reminder of the financial constraints under which the Stones must operate. While the official statement cited mutual agreement due to both budget cuts and the personal challenges of commuting from Wales amidst the rising cost of living, there were subtle indications that the split may not have been entirely amicable.

Sam Cox, seen by some as an uninspiring replacement (perhaps unfairly so, given his success in retaining NL status as interim at the end of the 2023/24 season), was reappointed at Grosvenor Vale on a permanent basis. Tasked with developing young, hungry talent and continuing the club’s fight to retain its place in the National League, Cox’s mandate was clear.

Despite his limited managerial experience, the former Stones captain brings ambition, enthusiasm, and a strong network of contacts—something fans are hopeful will pay off. His extensive coaching background, including his time at the Tottenham Hotspur Academy, and his deep understanding of the club’s values and the National League make him well-placed to build a solid foundation for the club’s future.

Squad Shifts: Departures and Fresh Faces

This summer has brought significant changes to the Stones’ squad, with a clear shift towards youth, energy, and potential as Sam Cox reshapes his side under tight financial constraints.

Kallum Cesay, whose tireless performances were vital in securing National League survival last term, has moved on to League Two side Salford City. Meanwhile, top scorer Alex Reid—who netted 16 in 30 league games—has joined Hartlepool United, bringing a definitive end to any speculative hopes of a return. His goals will be sorely missed, and with no obvious replacement yet in the squad, the pressure is on to find attacking inspiration elsewhere.

That responsibility may fall to returning forward Sean Adarkwa, who missed most of last season through injury. While his physical attributes remain impressive, fan sentiment on the Stonesnet forum suggests scepticism—some calling his re-signing a “risk” given recurring back issues, others questioning whether he is clinical enough to get the goals required.

The engine room

To fill the midfield void left by Cesay and Josh Grant’s departures, Cox has brought in a new-look engine room built around energy, physicality and technical quality.

Nathan Tshikuna arrives after a short stint at Eastleigh, having been a key figure in Tamworth’s National League North title-winning season. The attacking midfielder has been thrown straight into pre-season action and looks ready to be a central figure in the Stones’ creative play.

Omar Mussa, who was reportedly on Swindon Town’s radar, joins from promotion-chasing Torquay United. A powerful presence in the middle, the Belgian-Burundian international is known for his flair and unpredictability—whether it’s a 25-yard rocket or a deft moment of magic. His playing style has already drawn early comparisons to former Spurs star Mousa Dembélé.

The third piece of the midfield puzzle is 21-year-old Dylan Kadji. Formerly of Bristol City, Kadji starred for Weston-super-Mare last season, registering nine goal contributions while showcasing his versatility and tactical maturity. Comfortable at centre-back or in midfield, his ability to read the game and dictate tempo could prove vital.

Early indications suggest this new trio—Tshikuna, Mussa, and Kadji—bring legs, dynamism and much-needed bite to the middle of the park. While replacing the contributions of Cesay and Grant won’t be easy, Cox appears to have recruited with intent, favouring hungry, high-upside players over tried-and-tested names.

Other business

Elsewhere, the Stones welcome the return of fan favourite Connor McAvoy, now on a permanent deal from Fulham after previous loan spells. The composed Scotland youth international featured during last season’s relegation battle and already feels like part of the furniture at Grosvenor Vale.

Sak Hassan—a flying winger plucked from Hashtag United—adds another unknown quantity, having impressed in the Isthmian League. And Junior Tiensia, a physical and versatile defender from Barrow, brings power and flexibility to the backline.

While the squad remains a work in progress, these signings signal intent: a gamble on youth, revival stories, and unpolished gems rather than household names. With Cox’s connections and coaching nous, Stones fans will be hoping it’s a recipe for another season of defying expectations—though the need for a proven goalscorer remains glaring.

Signings and retained list

New Signings: Junior Tiensia (Barrow), Sak Hassan (Hashtag United), Dylan Kadji (Weston-super-mare), Omar Mussa (Torquay United), Nathan Tshikuna (Eastleigh), Connor McAvoy (Fulham), Nathan Young-Coombes (Free Agent, previously Brentford)
Retained: Enzio Boldewijn, Jack Cook, Max Kretzschmar, Sean Adarkwa, Dante Baptiste, Jeffrey Sekyere, Mason Barrett, Deon Woodman, Christian Scott, Dominic Hutchinson, Anthony Georgiou, Micah Obiero

Departures

Departed/released: Alex Dyer (St Albans City), Mustapha Carayol, Archie Matthews, Craig Eastmond (Eastbourne Borough), Kallum Cesay (Salford City), Adrian Mariappa, Jacob Adams (Tonbridge Angels), Josh Grant (Carlisle United)
Loan returns: Alex Reid (Oldham – since joined Hartlepool), Tyler Walker (Lincoln – since signed for Barrow)

Talks ongoing

Talks ongoing (status unconfirmed): Will Randall, Jaydn Mundle-Smith (long-term injury), Jed Brown

Key Issues

Star striker Alex Reid departs to join Hartlepool ending any faint hopes of a sensational return
New boss Sam Cox comes with high regard but a mixed CV; fans split over ambition vs realism
Reduced playing budget limits transfer flexibility
Club remains reliant on finding value in the lower leagues and EFL academies

Community and Commercial Growth: Partnerships and Future Security

Off the pitch, Wealdstone have been busy securing its future. The club recently signed a new six-year lease at Grosvenor Vale, guaranteeing its home for the foreseeable future; whilst continuing on its path of a new stadium potentially at Freezeland Way. This agreement with The KSIMC of London (Hujjat) is more than just a lease—it marks the start of a community-focused partnership that will see joint initiatives aimed at engaging young people, supporting grassroots sport, and creating a vibrant space for local events.

Additionally, Wealdstone has secured a major sponsorship deal with Version 2, a leading lighting rental company with a strong presence in broadcast and events. This partnership will provide crucial commercial backing, with Version 2’s logo set to appear on the team’s shorts for the next two seasons. This deal, along with continued efforts to secure investment, signals the club’s ongoing commitment to building a strong foundation, both on the pitch and in the local community.

Above: news on the potential new stadium at Freezeland Way remains quiet

Fans view

Wealdstone fans head into the season with a mix of gallows humour, realism, and quiet defiance, fully aware that logic suggests relegation is likely given the slashed budget, tiny squad, unproven manager, and stronger rivals, yet refusing to accept it without a fight. There’s acceptance that finishing 20th would feel like winning a trophy, recognition that survival may depend on shrewd loanees and unearthing rough diamonds, and an understanding that the club’s financial stability remains the bigger picture. Yet beneath the concern and cynicism is the Stones’ spirit: hope over expectation, backing the team to give everything, and a belief that somehow, against the odds, they might pull off another escape.

2025/26 Prediction: 19th

Strengths:

Cohesive group of retained players
Familiar faces provide continuity
Manager with strong links to club and London talent pool

Concerns:

Budgetary limitations have already cost the club senior experience
Uncertainty over key players’ futures
Goals a concern after Reid’s departure
Continued feeling of punching above weight
Squad currently wafer thin

Realistically, having seen both the financial muscle and bolstered squads from the majority of the other 23 competitors, it is difficult to see how Stones pull off another great escape. All indications point to this being the season where Stones brave resilience finally falters and the club drop out of the league. That said, incoming loan players (inevitable there’ll be some) and a penchant for picking up lower league talent have served the Stones well to date, and with clubs like Morecambe potentially imploding and a couple of others lurching precariously there is every chance Wealdstone could perform further miracles.

The bigger picture is long sustainability and whilst frugality is the need of the day, an investment partner and some positive long-term future home stadium news, possibly at Freezeland Way, needs to be foraged for the club to punch competitively in future. We won’t tip the side to go down; but plenty of others will. 19th.