Former Lincoln City winger Mustapha Carayol has found a new home in non-league football, signing for National League side Wealdstone.
The 36-year-old has been without a club since leaving Exeter City in January, but he has now made his return to the game. Carayol made his debut for Wealdstone over the weekend, coming on as a substitute in a 3-3 draw with Eastleigh. He made his debut at the same time as current Lincoln City striker Tyler Walker, who moved to the Stones last week.
WELCOME TO WEALDSTONE, MUSTAPHA CARAYOL ✍️
We are delighted to announce the signing of free agent winger Mustapha Carayol on a permanent deal! 📝
Full story available here: https://t.co/gX8L9faxyE pic.twitter.com/GQTdJgudcj
— Wealdstone FC (@WealdstoneFC) March 15, 2025
Carayol Career
Carayol, born in Banjul, began his career in Swindon Town’s youth setup before following Paul Ince to Macclesfield Town in 2006. Ince later brought him to MK Dons, where he signed his first professional contract and made his senior debut in 2007. Loan spells at Crawley Town and Kettering Town followed before a move to Torquay United in 2008.
At Torquay, Carayol helped the club secure promotion back to League Two, making 30 appearances in his debut season. After turning down a new contract, he joined Lincoln City in 2010, scoring on his debut. Following Lincoln’s relegation, he moved to Bristol Rovers in 2011, where his performances attracted Championship interest. In 2012, he signed for Middlesbrough, enjoying a promising start before a serious knee injury in 2014.
Loan stints at Brighton, Huddersfield, and Leeds followed before joining Nottingham Forest in 2016. He later played for Ipswich Town, Cypriot side Apollon Limassol, and Turkish club Adana Demirspor. Carayol returned to England with Gillingham in 2021, then Burton Albion, and joined Exeter City in 2024. After a short spell, he left in January 2025, concluding his time with the club.
Wealdstone Facing Relegation Battle
The Stones are currently in a tough fight to retain their National League status. They sit 21st in the table, level on points with 20th-placed Dagenham & Redbridge but in the relegation zone due to goal difference.
With survival on the line, Carayol’s experience could be a vital asset for the team. His ability to play out wide and contribute with goals and assists will add much-needed quality to Wealdstone’s squad.
Writer’s View
Carayol’s move to non-league football is a reminder of how unpredictable careers in football can be. Once a key player in the Championship, he now finds himself battling for survival in the National League. However, his experience and quality could prove invaluable as Wealdstone fight to stay up.
