Aldershot Town have won the race to sign Bracknell Town playmaker Haydon Vaughan for an undisclosed fee, as confirmed via a statement on the club’s website.
The 18-year-old was recently attracting Championship interest but has instead opted to sign for Aldershot Town, hoping to replicate the success of Josh Stokes who has since moved on to Bristol City.
Which clubs were interested in Vaughan?
As recently as March 2024, Vaughan was on trial with Championship side Queens Park Rangers ahead of a potential deal, featuring during an U21s match against second-tier rivals Millwall.
However, no further action was taken although there’s no confirmation as to whether this was a club decision or whether the player wanted a better chance at first-team football.
The next Josh Stokes?
Last summer, Aldershot Town completed the capture of an unknown playmaker called Josh Stokes, who almost immediately began to rip up the National League. Stokes scored on his debut against Oxford City and managed 12 goals in his first 25 league games.
He also managed goals in the FA Cup against then-League Two duo Swindon Town and Stockport County. This led to a move to Championship side Bristol City in January before being loaned back to Aldershot for the remainder of the season.
With Stokes now returning to Bristol City, there was a gap in the side that has now been filled by Vaughan but whether he can replicate Stokes’ success remains to be seen.
Will this move be a positive thing for Vaughan?
The 18-year-old is joining a National League team that have prided itself on developing younger players over the last few seasons as well as turning out-of-form EFL players into stars, as proven by Lorent Tolaj and Cian Harries.
Stokes started a handful of his opening matches on the bench for Aldershot and that could be the same for Vaughan heading into the new season.
Vaughan is likely to enjoy a lot of first-team football at Aldershot Town, which will continue to improve his development and current qualities, making this a good move on paper.