Wealdstone have confirmed the move of Sam Howes from League One side Leyton Orient.
It marks a return to West London for the 26-year-old and makes it his fourth stint at the National League club. He was bought by The O’s in 2023 after a successful 2022/23 at The Vale and was named in an England C squad.
Despite the switch back to the Football League after being on the books at Watford, Howes struggled to make a mark at Brisbane Road with eight total appearances in the past 14 months. He made four appearances in League One and a handful more in the cup competitions.
The goalkeeper returns to The Stones with the club in a tricky position in the fifth tier, currently in the relegation zone on six points after nine games. Swansea City academy graduate Archie Matthews was the first-choice between the sticks for Matthew Taylor’s side before picking up an injury and was stretchered off in the last game against Forest Green Rovers.
The former Shrewsbury Town boss took over at Wealdstone this summer becoming the third manager in the past 12 months. Stuart Maynard left to take the reins at Notts County before David Noble was removed from his post after a dismal stretch of games.
Speaking to the club upon his arrival at Grosvenor Vale, Howes said: “I’m buzzing to have joined. When I heard the news after Archie’s (Matthews) injury, I wanted to get the deal done quickly.”
