Josh Umerah bolsters Maidenhead United's new-look attack

Josh Umerah in action for the Magpies in their 4-2 friendly win over West Ham United u21s on Saturday. Photo: Ian Longthorne.

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Maidenhead United have added Josh Umerah to their attacking options ahead of the season, with the former Wealdstone, Hartlepool United and Dagenham & Redbridge striker joining the Magpies for the 2025/26 season.

Maidenhead have been steadily rebuilding their squad following the club’s relegation from the National League last season and the departure of 22 of their permanent and loan signings from last season’s ill-fated campaign.

Alan Devonshire and chief scout Lee Devonshire have so far brought in players they believe will have the quality and experience to deal with the expectations of a National League South promotion challenge.

So far, the club have signed Ryan Bartley, Matt Robinson, Jordon Ragguette, Asher Yearwood, Corie Andrews, Jordi van Stappershoef, Manny Onariase and Harry Pritchard to supplement those who were retained from last season. However, Devonshire mentioned last week he was still keen to bring in players who have the ‘X-Factor’ in attack.

Umerah potentially fits the bill on both fronts as he also brings a wealth of experience with him to York Road as well as a decent goal scoring record in the National League. He scored 17 times in 43 appearances for Wealdstone, 14 in 61 games for Hartlepool United and 11 times in 44 appearances for the Daggers, who were relegated alongside the Magpies last season.

Umerah began his career with Charlton Athletic’s academy, and he went on to make his debut for the first team in 2016. He then spent time on loan with Kilmarnock in Scotland, Wycombe Wanderers and Boreham Wood before leaving Charlton in 2019 and moving to National League clubs Ebbsfleet United, Torquay United and Wealdstone.

He started Maidenhead United’s 4-2 friendly win over West Ham United u21s on Saturday but couldn’t get his name on the scoresheet as the Magpies breezed into a 3-0 half-time lead.