OPPOSITION FOCUS | Maidenhead United (A)

Written by Ollie Heathcote

The Key Info

Founded: 1870

Nickname: The Magpies

Manager: Alan Devonshire

Stadium: York Road

Capacity: 4500

The History

Founded in 1870, Maidenhead United contains a rich history and is one of the oldest football clubs in England. The name Maidenhead United was adopted following the merger between

Maidenhead FC and Maidenhead Norfolkians, with the Magpies competing in many different divisions throughout their time as a football club.

As a founding member of the Corinthian League, Maidenhead were successful throughout their time in this division, winning the league on 3 occasions. Following this they have been members of the Athenian League and

the Isthmian League, and have competed in the National League since 2017, before relegation to the National League South was confirmed last season. The Magpies look to be rebuilding a strong side ahead of this season, as they eye an immediate return to the National League.

The Manager: Alan Devonshire

Alan Devonshire is a manager who has shown an immense sense of loyalty throughout his time as a manager, spending two spells with the Magpies. After a playing career, which saw him representing West Ham and Watford, Devonshire landed his first managerial job at Maidenhead United at the beginning of the 1996/97 season where he spent 7 years at the club. He joined Hampton & Richmond, where he went on to serve 8 years, before departing

to Braintree. Following a 4 year spell at the Iron and 186 games managed, Devonshire returned to Maidenhead United for the 2015/16 season, and has been in place ever since.

The Skipper: Will De Havilland

Will De Havilland was given the honour of captaincy ahead of the 2025/26 season, following his consistent displays and leadership since signing for the Magpies in 2021. De Havilland started his career with Millwall and has played for the likes of Wycombe Wanderers, Aldershot Town, Maidstone United, and Dover Athletic before signing for Maidenhead United in 2021. The central defender has been a successful signing for the Magpies and features regularly for Alan Devonshire’s side.

Last Match: Enfield Town 0-0 Maidenhead United

Maidenhead’s last outing saw the Magpies frustrated on the road against a resolute Enfield Town. The first half of the game saw Maidenhead with the majority of chances, as efforts from Umerah, Dulson and Onariase failed to nestle into the back of the net. Whilst the first half proved to be full of chances, the second half was a more physical affair as chances became limited. A final effort in the 92nd minute from Will De Havilland saw his header go over the bar, leaving both teams to gain a point.

Ones to Watch:

Name: Jordan Raguette

Joined: May 2025

Position: Left Back

Jordan Raguette was announced as a Maidenhead United player recently, following their relegation to the National League South and showcased his talents in this division as a Salisbury player last year. With it being Salisbury’s first season in the National League South, Raguette played an integral role on the left hand side to keep his side in the division. After scoring 2 goals against the Tudors in Salisbury’s 5-0 victory last season, Raguette is a player that will be on the radar for teams in this division.

Name: Josh Umerah

Joined: July 2025

Position: Forward

Having recently signed for Maidenhead United from fellow competitors Dagenham & Redbridge, Josh Umerah will be looking to provide a wealth of quality and experience as he leads the line for the Magpies. Having already picked up experience within non-league, Umerah is no stranger to the level, playing for Ebbsfleet, Torquay, Wealdstone, Hartlepool and most recently Dagenham & Redbridge before joining Maidenhead. He recorded 8 goals and 4 assists in 37 appearances in last season’s National League campaign, and could be a key force in the Magpies’ quest for an immediate return.

Name: Liam Dulson

Joined: July 2025

Position: Forward

Another one of Maidenhead’s summer signings was Liam Dulson, who signed from League Two outfit Cheltenham Town. Dulson began his endeavour into football through progressing through the youth setup at Watford, before his first senior appearances came at Hoddesden Town and Royston Town. Following a move to Ware, Dulson found his eye for goal as he scored 53 goals in 87 games. After impressing in his spell at Bedford Town, Dulson signed for Cheltenham and made an immediate impression after scoring on his debut. He then

became a consistent starter for the Robins, making 35 appearances and scoring 3 goals. He will be a player on the radar of the Tudors as an attacking threat.

Credit to Maidenhead United's website for parts of this information.