Leyton Orient have confirmed the departure of goalkeeper Sam Howes, who has rejoined Wealdstone in the National League.
The 26-year-old, who moved to Brisbane Road from Wealdstone in 2023, struggled to secure regular first-team action during his time with the League One side.
After an impressive 2022/23 season with Wealdstone, where Howes earned a call-up to the England C squad, Leyton Orient brought him in with hopes of strengthening their goalkeeping options. However, his time in East London saw limited opportunities, as he made just eight appearances across all competitions, including only four in League One.
With the arrival of new goalkeeping recruits, Zach Hemmings from Middlesbrough and Josh Keeley in the summer transfer window, Howes found himself further down the pecking order. The increased competition meant that first-team opportunities were likely to remain scarce, leading to the decision for him to return to his former club.
Howes heads back to Wealdstone at a critical time, with the club languishing in the National League relegation zone after picking up just six points from their opening nine matches. Wealdstone had been relying on Swansea City academy graduate Archie Matthews as their number one this season, but his recent injury during a match against Forest Green Rovers left a gap that needed to be filled quickly.
Wealdstone manager Matthew Taylor, who took over in the summer, has already had to navigate several challenges in his short tenure, including becoming the club’s third manager in 12 months following the departures of Stuart Maynard and David Noble. Howes’ return brings familiarity and experience at a time when stability is sorely needed for the Stones.
Speaking to the media following his move, Howes expressed his excitement at rejoining the club: “I’m absolutely buzzing to be back. As soon as I heard about Archie’s injury, I wanted to help out. This is a club I know well, and I’m really looking forward to getting back out on the pitch.”
Reflecting on his last spell at Wealdstone, Howes added: “The 2022/23 season was special for me personally. We had a great year as a team and came close to the play-offs. I hope I can pick up where I left off and help the club climb the table.”
Site Opinion: Limited Chances
Sam Howes’ return to Wealdstone follows a difficult stint at Leyton Orient, where the arrival of Zach Hemmings and Josh Keeley limited his playing time. Despite performing solidly when called upon, his role was always likely to be reduced, especially with fresh competition this season.
For Howes, a move back to Grosvenor Vale is a chance to get consistent minutes and re-establish himself as a top goalkeeper in the National League. His familiarity with the club and fanbase will make the transition smoother, and his return could provide a crucial boost to a Wealdstone side struggling to find form. With tough fixtures ahead, including matches against Barnet, Gateshead, and FC Halifax Town, Howes will need to deliver the performances that made him a standout in 2022/23 if Wealdstone are to avoid further trouble this season.
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