Aldershot Town have undergone several major changes since the conclusion of the 2025/26 National League season, after almost suffering relegation to the sixth tier of English football.
The side is now managed by Scott Davies, following the departure of John Coleman at the end of the campaign and have similarly said goodbye to all but two of their squad that finished the season with the club – not including those out on loan.
It isn’t unusual for a club in the National League to make several changes to their playing squad after a season comes to an end, but the next campaign will be almost an entirely new side for the Shots.
Departed Aldershot man tipped for transfer
Whilst life goes on with fresh faces for Aldershot Town, their summer departures also begin the somewhat challenging task of attempting to secure their futures in a new home ready for the 2026/27 campaign.
Of those that have left, several individuals such as Hady Ghandour (Eastleigh), Tyler Frost (Farnborough) and Ashley Akpan (Hampton & Richmond) have found new homes – whereas others are still without a side with clubs now back for pre-season.
One player that is currently without a side is defender Luke Jenkins, who’s two-year stint with Aldershot came to an end last month, though his next move could be right around the corner.
According to a report from journalist Pete O’Rourke, the 23-year-old is currently on trial with National League South side Dagenham & Redbridge, ahead of a potential move for the 2026/27 campaign.
Jenkins featured for the sixth-tier side on Tuesday evening as they were held to a goalless draw against newly-promoted National League side Hornchurch.
The 23-year-old joined the club from League One side AFC Wimbledon in the summer of 2024, but was limited to just 21 appearances – largely due to injuries.
Will Aldershot regret their decision?
Jenkins has EFL experience with AFC Wimbledon and joined the Shots hopeful of solidifying his place as a regular starter, but due to factors such as injuries, this wasn’t the case.
The club have said goodbye to almost their entire squad, which poses a huge risk – though it won’t be clear how successful this decision will be until the 2026/27 comes to an end.
Whilst he had limited game-time, Jenkins is still only 23 and has plenty left to give as he’s still at the relatively early stages of his career.
Under Coleman, he ended the season as a first-team regular, suggesting that whilst his injuries and lack of minutes hinted at an exit – one could argue that he was unfortunate not to be handed a one-year extension.
However, Aldershot barely survived last season and failed to build upon their FA Trophy winning side, suggesting that reinforcements were certainly required and often that results in either more-proven players, or injury-free players coming in to try and add some reliability to their defensive line.
Meanwhile, Dagenham missed out on the play-off places in the sixth tier last season and have already been busy recruiting reinforcements, including players from the division’s above as KSI’s arrival has sparked increased ambition and determination to get the club promoted this campaign.
