Management
Nicky Ironton, Manager: Joined the club in September 2022. Spent the previous three seasons with Welwyn Garden City, having lead them to the play-off places last season, and on course to do the same in the Covid-affected 2019-20 season. Prior to that, he has managed at Ware, and had two spells at Arlesey Town, where he oversaw three successive Isthmian League promotions. He also took the Bedfordshire side to the first round of the FA Cup and had an excellent run in the FA Vase. This will in fact be Nicky’s second spell with the club, having played for us during the 1990-91 season. As a player, he did all there was to do in non-league; playing for the England semi-professional side, winning the Football Conference three times, as well as two FA Trophies.
David Bastian, Coach: Returns to the club where he made almost 100 appearances as a player. Has had spells at Enfield Town, Ware and Wivenhoe Town, amongst others.
Ed Thompson, Coach: Experienced goalkeeping coach who played for Harlow Town, Wingate & Finchley and Dagenham & Redbridge.
Steve Rolfe, Coach: Joined the club in the summer, having previously been with Northwood and Welwyn Garden City.
Lucelta Eugene, Physiotherapist: A stalwart of the changing room who has been with us since 2009. A calming presence and someone who brings great knowledge and experience to the role.
Goalkeepers
Matt Nolan: Vastly experienced stopper who has had spells at Enfield Town, Potters Bar Town and Ware, amongst others.
Defenders
Luke Foster: Joined in the summer from New Salamis, where he had been a stand-out player over the previous three seasons, winning their Player of the Year award twice.
Rian McLean: Strong and composed defender who signed from Witham Town in the summer. Was with Leyton Orient and Doncaster Rovers as a youngster.
Carl Mensah: Commanding centre-back who had previously played with Nicky Ironton at Welwyn Garden City. He had four spells at the Citizens as well as spells with Bedford Town, Colney Heath and Tring Athletic amongst others. Instantly became a fans’ favourite at the Stow.
J’Ardell Stirling: Towering centre-back who signed in the summer from Dunstable Town.
Te Wihongi: New Zealand international with eight caps who joined in Autumn 2022. Has impressed with his composure and physical presence at the back and played a key part in our run to the play-offs last season.
Midfielders
Tamas Amgbaduba: Versatile young midfielder who had previously played under Nicky Ironton at Welwyn Garden City. Had playing time last season cut short by injury, so will be looking to feature more this time around.
Demaray Anyadike: Youngster who came through the ranks at Southend United. Scored on his full debut away to Welwyn Garden city on the first day of the season and really impressed as the season went gone on with some crucial goals and assists. Last season’s Supporters’ Player of the Season.
Dan Green: Experienced box-to-box midfielder who joined from Royston Town and brings plenty of combativity to the centre of the park.
George Ironton: Joined Stow from Southern Premier Division Central side Royston Town, where he had been since July 2022. He had re-joined Welwyn Garden City in June 2019 having just missed out on promotion from the Spartan South Midlands League in 2018/19 with Tring Athletic. He went back to the Citizens work for his father having previously been him at Arlesey Town and Ware. Was hampered by injury last term, so will be hoping to be over that for this season.
Jared Small: A vastly-experienced player who joined from Harlow Town. He has played for Tonbridge Angels, where he gained promotion to the National League South, as well as Brentwood and Enfield Town. Can play at the back, in midfield and up front, so is a key part to the squad.
Kieran Turner: An old-fashioned box-to-box midfielder who signed from Leighton Town. Made an immediate impression with his ability to change a game.
Forwards
Duncan Culley: Experienced forward who has played extensively in the upper reaches of the non-league system. The prolific front-man signed from Hanworth Villa and also had spells recently with Royston Town and Bracknell Town. He began his non-league career playing for Shortwood, where he caught the eye of Bromley. He spent much of his career in the upper reaches of the non-league pyramid, playing for Farnborough, Hampton & Richmond and Hayes & Yeading, amongst others. Scored his first goal for the club from the spot against Kempston Rovers. Was last season’s top scorer.
Callum Ibe: Now in his third spell with the club, Callum can play anywhere across the forward line, and has become a real fans favourite thanks to his work rate and never-say-die attitude. Scored some vital goals on our way to the title last season, and recently made his 100th appearance for Stow. Has found a new lease of life under Nicky Ironton, playing in the “ten” role.
Dwade James: This is Dwade’s third spell at the club, and with 71 goals in 66 games, is our all-time Essex Senior League scorer. Spent last season at Enfield, who he helped to the ESL title.
Tony Martin: Now in his second spell at the club, where he initially played as a teenager a decade ago. A real handful who will bring poise and guile to the front line.
Jordon Watson: Forward who had re-joined rivals Welwyn Garden City in August 2021 from another league rival, Ware, and then re-joined the latter in the summer of 2022, having made the same journey in December 2019. He originally joined Ware from Aveley in February 2018, although he had also played for local rivals Hertford Town as well as FC Broxbourne Borough, Redbridge, Hadley and Hoddesdon Town.