We’re delighted to confirm that four players have signed new contracts with the Shots!
Ashley Akpan, Christian Maghoma, Hady Ghandour and Oliver Turner have all put pen to paper to commit to the Shots for the 24/25 season.
Christian Maghoma and Hady Ghandour both suffered with injury problems during the 23/24 season and will be looking to enjoy injury-free seasons having returned to fitness towards the end of the campaign.
Ashley Akpan and Oliver Turner have yet to make their first-team debuts for the Shots, but were both involved in a number of matchday squads throughtout the 23/24 season, having trained with the first-team for the entire campaign after signing professional development contracts at the start of the season.
On the extension of all four players, Tommy Widdrington said: “Firstly, both Ollie (Turner) and Ashley (Akpan) have trained with the first-team group for the vast majority of the season – looking very much at home when doing so – and have justified an extension to their contracts as they’ve both genuinely been considered to play on many occasions this past campaign.”
“The group’s overall output meant they both made the matchday 16 on numerous occasions, so the next step in their pathway is to break into the starting eleven at National League level.”
“Both Christian and Hady have been particularly unfortunate with serious injuries BUT BOTH want to prove, to themselves as much as anything else, that they have a great deal to offer Aldershot Town FC.”
“The older lads will literally feel like ‘new signings’ to me and we look forward already to working with all four lads when we return after the summer break.”
Hady Ghandour said: “First of all I want to say thanks to the management and staff for putting their continued faith in me despite my injury troubles.”
“It’s an honour to be offered another year at Aldershot and I always wanted to remain here and show what I can do when I’m healthy, so I’m already looking forward to pre season and I’m raring to go.”
“Finally, a massive thanks to the fans for their support during a tough period of my career and I hope we as a group can give them even more to cheer about next season!”
Christian Maghoma said: “I’m delighted to stay another year at Aldershot and I feel extremely blessed to be able to have an other opportunity to represent this football club.”
“From the owner, the gaffer, staff, the players and fans, every single one of you have made me feel at home even though I spent pretty much all of the season out: I truly thank you all for that.”
“Life’s full of ups and downs and I’m grateful for the experience regardless; now it’s time to look forward to next season where, God willing, I will have much more of a part to play in an even better season for the club!”
Ashley Akpan said: “I’m really happy to sign a new deal with the club!”
“It was a good first season in men’s football for me which was filled with various experiences – the first half being on loan and since the new year being here around the first team everyday which I have learnt a lot from.”
“The players and staff have been really supportive and the new deal gives me a good opportunity to push on next year which I’m looking forward to.”
Oliver Turner said: “I’m delighted to sign a new deal with the club, it’s been a good year around a good group who have had a very good season.”
“I’ll be looking to kick on from the get go and make the most of this opportunity!”
Congratulations to all four players and everyone at the club is very excited to see how they progress next season!
