Departing Queen’s Park Rangers defender Deon Woodman has signed for National League side Wealdstone on a permanent deal, as confirmed via a statement on the club’s official website.

The 21-year-old experienced two National League loan spells during the 2023/24 season, but confirmed his exit from the Championship side following the end of the campaign, although he hasn’t allowed time to pass him by as his next move has been confirmed.

Speaking to the clubs website, chairman Rory Fitzgerald stated…

“We’re delighted to get this deal done,

“Deon is a player of huge potential and his character means he’ll fit really well into the squad. He had a few offers so we are delighted he chose us. He’s a really good addition.”

How did he fair last season?

Following a successful stint with National League South side Dulwich Hamlet, Woodman spent the first half of the campaign within the QPR youth side but was loaned out in February to Wealdstone in order to experience National League football.

He made two appearances for the Stones during his one-month stint, before leaving to join fellow fifth-tier side Southend United for the remainder of the campaign.

Upon joining Kevin Maher’s side, Woodman would make four additional appearances for the club but returned to Loftus Road following their final-day defeat against Rochdale which subsequently ended their hopes of a play-off campaign.

Why is this a good move?

WMaidstone may be one of the National League’s only part-time sides, but they have developed a fierce reputation for developing young talent, with their latest examples including striker Josh Umerah who was sold to Hartlepool United and Charlie Barker who has since captained the National League side.

Goodman is only 21 and has already experienced matches with the Stones, giving him good knowledge of the club, fans and the management which should give him the grounds to push on next season.

Time to kick-on…

Wealdstone continued to establish themselves as a National League side last season, by confirming their safety with big wins against both Dorking Wanderers and Oldham Athletic after a hectic fixture schedule which could have cost them their place in the division.

The side are currently without a permanent manager at the time of writing but have already begun to rebuild their squad ahead of the 2024/25 campaign and Woodman is a positive first step into improving on the previous campaign.