Maidenhead United confirm transfer of midfielder Pettit to Rochdale AFC

Photo credit: Darren Woolley

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Midfielder Casey Pettit has become the latest player to fly the Magpies’ nest this summer after signing for National League side Rochdale AFC.

Casey was one of three Maidenhead players under contract for the coming season so the Magpies will at least be compensated for the move, however, it takes the number of players to have left the club this summer to 22.

The 22-year-old joins Rochdale on a two-year deal having featured in more than 90 games for the Magpies over the past two seasons. In fact, he featured in every National League match for the Magpies last season.

A huge rebuild job is therefore underway at York Road following the club’s relegation from the National League, with the Magpies looking to be as competitive as they possibly can be in the National League South.

Both manager Alan Devonshire and chairman Peter Griffin have said they hope they’ll hit the ground running at step 2 and compete for promotion this season. That will be easier said than done in an increasingly competitive South division.

United’s hopes of holding onto the core of last season’s squad were hindered by the club’s relegation and the desire of most of those players to continue playing in the National League or higher in some cases.

Supporters had hoped that Pettit might be one of those to stay as he - along with Owen Cochrane and Noah Stewart - were under contract for the 2025/26 campaign, however, a deal has been done to take him to Rochdale AFC. This follows the move of Sam Beckwith to the same club last summer.

A social media post from the club said: “Maidenhead United can confirm that an agreement has been reached for the transfer of Casey Pettit to Rochdale AFC.

“We would like to thank Casey for his contributions to the club over the past two seasons and wish him all the best in his future endeavours.”

Pettit, a popular player with supporters over the past couple of seasons said: “Magpies, after two unforgettable seasons, my time at Maidenhead United has come to an end.

“I just want to say a massive thank you to everyone involved with the club, the gaffer, the coaching staff, my teammates and especially the fans. From day one you welcomed me in and made me feel part of something special.

“It’s been a journey full of challenges, growth and memories I’ll never forget. I’ve grown a lot as a player and as a person here, and for that, I’ll always be grateful.

“I wish the club, and everyone involved nothing but success in the future.

“Thank you all once again. Hope to see you all soon. CP.”

Maidenhead released their retained list on Thursday evening, confirming which players had signed new contracts and which players would be leaving the club.

However, the statement did add that ‘further changes to the squad would be announced in due course’. Maidenhead fans would have hoped that referred to more incomings rather than outgoings.

The following players have been retained, Harvey Collins; Kane Ferdinand; Jayden Mitchell-Lawson; Remy Clerima; Sam Barratt; Joshua McMenemy; Jadyn Dundas; Will de Havilland. While Cochrane and Stewart remain under contract for next season.

Seven players have also been signed in recent weeks, with Ryan Bartley and Matt Robinson announced as the players returned to pre-season training. They join Jordon Ragguette, Asher Yearwood, Corie Andrews, Jordi van Stappershoef and Manny Onariase.

However, those 17 are outweighed by the list of departees, with the number of permanent and loan players moving on having risen to 22 with Pettit’s move to Rochdale.

The following players have departed the club: Tyrese Dyce; Kevin Lokko; Ruben Carvalho; Nathan Ferguson; Shawn McCoulsky; Brad Keetch; Craig Ross; Tobi Sho-Silva; Christian Johnson; Tristan Abrahams; Alan Massey; Chris Wreh; Jamie Davies; Ricky Korboa; Joseph Ajose; Brendan Kiernan; Reece Smith, Casey Pettit; Thierry Latty-Fairweather; Joshua Johnson; Miles Welch-Hayes; Sam Howes.