During the summer, Aldershot Town bid farewell to almost their entire first-team squad after almost suffering relegation, but now one of those is set to return to the National League.
The Shots finished 20th in the National League last season under the guidance of John Coleman, losing 26 of their 46 matches and narrowly avoided relegation by just four points.
Since this, Scott Davies has taken charge after arriving from Slough Town, whilst the club have undergone a significant change in personnel – building almost an entirely new squad as they aimed to go one better.
However, one of their departures is closing in on a permanent return to the National League – but not with the Shots.
Former Aldershot midfielder set for National League return
After the previous season came to an end, Aldershot bid farewell to 12 permanent players, including the likes of Coniah Boyce-Clarke, Tyler Frost, Dejan Tetek and Theo Widdrington.
The latter of which ended a three-year spell with the club and was a key part of the side that beat Spennymoor Town to lift the FA Trophy at Wembley in 2025.
🗣️”Theo Widdrington rips off his shirt! He waves it above his head!”
Hear @BBCSurreySport @RobShot66 commentary on #TheShots 3-0 FA Trophy Final victory over Spennymoor Town. Listen below! 💙❤️👇
https://t.co/jIRimUCqTb— BBC Sport Surrey (@BBCSurreySport) May 12, 2025
Widdrington made just shy of 100 appearances across all competitions for Aldershot Town, but was released in the summer and has since moved to National League South side Hampton & Richmond up until earlier this week, when he left via mutual consent.
A report from journalist Pete O’Rourke has since confirmed that the 27-year-old is closing in on a permanent switch to newly-promoted National League side Hornchurch.
Hornchurch currently find themselves 13th in the table, winning seven games and are closer to the play-offs than the relegation zone at present.
Is this a good signing for Hornchurch?
Following their promotion last season, Hornchurch took the National League by storm early doors – winning four of their opening five matches, including a memorable win against Barrow.
However, they’ve managed just three wins in their next ten games in the league and have begun to slip down the table, likely explaining a need for reinforcements through the door.
Hornchurch picked up their first victory since the end of August, during last night’s clash with Scunthorpe.
Up to 9th as a result. 💪
#HornchurchFC🔴 https://t.co/iNDDmOe75r
— National League Lowdown (@NLLowdown) September 20, 2026
Widdrington is an experienced National League midfielder with the likes of Aldershot, King’s Lynn Town and Havant & Waterlooville and can help to add stability and leadership into the heart of Hornchurch’s midfield.
The 27-year-old has made seven appearances for Hampton & Richmond so far this season, scoring once during a 5-3 victory against Slough Town.
He could make his debut for the club on Friday evening as they host play-off chasing AFC Fylde, providing all the relevant details were sorted in time.
