Summer transfer activity – a round-up so far

With the transfer activity having sprung into life over the past week, this is probably a good time to take stock of what has happened so far.

New signings

Goalkeeper David Hughes has signed from Bowers & Pitsea, while defender Jack Johnson returns to senior football after an injury-hit 2025-26.

Forwards Ross Wall, Nnamdi Nwachuku and Kieran James have also  joined Stow, hoping to provide the goals which were perhaps lacking up front last season.

The last new face is defender Max Brownsdon, who joins from Little Oakley.

Returning players

A couple of players have returned to Stow after some years away. Reece Conway, who was captain last time he was with us, returns after back-to-back Essex Senior League titles with Stanway Rovers and Enfield.

Junior Luke, who made his debut for us some 14 years ago returns to Stow after an illustrious playing career, much of it spent in the upper reaches of non-league. He won the FA Vase with Romford a couple of seasons ago, and lifted the Middlesex Senior Cup with Rayners Lane last season.

Elliott Kettle is a more recent returnee. The midfielder made four appearances for us last season, before heading north to play professionally in Finland.

Tryone Baker, Jordan Peart, Rasheed Salau and Malaki Toussaint all featured extensively for Stow last season, and we’re delighted that they have committed to another season in E17.

Departures

There are also some confirmed departures. Louie Johnson has made the step up to the Isthmian Premier with Brentwood Town, a move that no Stow fan could bedrudge, given Johnson’s quality last season. Bilal Sayoud and Tayo Oyebola have both also left the club. We wish all three players all the very best and thank them for their efforts with us.