Maidenhead United have confirmed the departures of former Reading player Joseph Ajose and Nathan Ferguson, once of Port Vale, ahead of their long-awaited retained list release.
The news comes as part of a wider summer of transition following the club’s relegation to National League South.
Rebuild Underway at York Road
Supporters had been growing increasingly frustrated with the delay in releasing the retained list, as updates trickled through via individual social media announcements. But with confirmation now emerging, it is clear Alan Devonshire’s side is preparing for a significant overhaul.
Joseph Ajose and Nathan Ferguson are among the most notable names to depart. Both midfielders played key roles during Maidenhead’s battle against the drop, and the club thanked them for their contributions before wishing them well in their next moves. With their exits confirmed, attention turns to how the squad will shape up in a lower division under renewed expectations.
So far, only four players from last season—Will de Havilland, Sam Barratt, Jayden Mitchell-Lawson and Kane Ferdinand—have agreed new terms. Centre-back Manny Onariase has joined on a permanent deal after a loan spell from Hartlepool United, while seven new arrivals have already bolstered the group.
The new signings include goalkeeper Jordi van Stappershoef, defenders Jordon Ragguette and Ryan Bartley, midfielders Asher Yearwood and Matt Robinson, and forward Corie Andrews. Yearwood, who arrives from Gosport Borough, has been particularly vocal about his excitement to make the step up from Step 3 after notching 18 goals and 11 assists last term.
Speaking to the club’s media team, Yearwood said:
“Dev’s a very experienced manager and he knows what he’s doing, and I’m looking forward to him taking me under his wing, looking to improve me and get the best out of me… We should be looking to bounce straight back up.”
Devonshire’s own experience will be crucial in navigating what is expected to be a highly competitive National League South campaign. Having kept Maidenhead in the fifth tier for much of the past decade, the challenge now is to re-establish the club at that level amid a wave of player turnover.
Writer’s View
This summer marks the end of an era and the beginning of a test for both Devonshire and Maidenhead. The departure of seasoned midfielders like Ajose and Ferguson will sting, but it’s a necessary part of the rebuild following relegation.
With a blend of returning experience and fresh faces, including proven step-three talent like Yearwood, the foundations are being laid for a push back to the National League. Fans will rightly expect nothing less than a strong promotion challenge—especially now that the uncertainty over the retained list has finally been addressed.
