FootballSport

Borough announce new Wooden contract extension

By Connor Steel

GOSPORT BOROUGH have announced that ‘legendary’ striker Dan Wooden has signed a new contact extension that will see him stay at the AEI Stadium until 2025; the thirty-four year old agreeing this deal that is set to finish with a joint testimonial next summer as the team hope to build on a successful last campaign in which they reached the ‘play-offs’.

The striker initially joined Borough under the management of Alex Pike back in 2009 and played a big part in the side’s successful spell from 2011/12; where they won promotion to the Southern League Premier. Wooden further helped his outfit complete a second successive promotion during the following season as Gosport reached “step 3” of non-league.

He soon made a ‘brief cameo appearance’ at Wembley Stadium as Borough reached the 2024 FA Trophy Final; where they sadly lost four-nil versus Cambridge United. Alongside this Wooden netted multiple goals and had made over 300 competitive appearances for the club, before leaving in summer 2016 due to ‘massive financial challenges’ at the time.

Wooden had a similarly successful tenure with AFC Portchester before re-joining Gosport in 2019; a big move that was widely celebrated by supporters. He has since won the club’s top scorer award for five successive campaigns including nineteen in 2024; as well as offering a mixture of quality, experience and leadership across this developing young side.

He joins Rory Williams in signing an one-year contract at the AEI Stadium with the duo having played multiple seasons together since 2009; which has prompted Gosport to announce that a testimonial match will be played next summer to pay tribute to these legends. It is likely to be played as an “end of season match” and feature former teammates / staff.

However the club have said their farewells to multiple players over recent days including Rafa Ramos; who has signed a deal at Salisbury as they start life in the National League South. Kristan Campbell, Alex Barsa, Corey Jordon, Harvey Rew (Totton) and Antonio Diaz (Poole) have all left the team; whilst Cameron Murray and Asher Yearwood have joined.

Readers are encouraged to visit the club’s website for developments and changes through the summer; including their fixture announcement, player signings / departures, pre-season updates, reports and season tickets when all released.

PICTURED BY TOM PHILLIPS: Striker celebrates goal in Gosport’s four-two victory over champions Chesham in April.