8th tier Anstey Nomads surprises fans by signing the experienced recently retired professional footballer Martyn Waghorn.
It was back in February 2025, when he made the tough decision, but the 35 year old has since featured in the Baller League.
He played 527 games over a 17-year career, scoring 135 goals, playing for Sunderland, Charlton, Leicester, Hull, Millwall, Wigan, Rangers, Ipswich, Derby, Coventry, Huddersfield and Northampton.
Then on the 28th of December 2025, Waghorn returned to playing, joining Northern Premier League Division One Midlands club Anstey Nomads, who sit 4th with 40 points from 21 games played, and are 14 points from leaders Carlton Town..
The club, who also have Conrad Logan and David Nugent, tweeted: “Welcome Martyn Waghorn 🤝 Anstey Nomads are delight to announce the signing of Martyn Waghorn.
“Waghorn will be available for Saturdays home fixture vs Bourne Town on Saturday 3rd of January come and see him the boys in action at Cropston Road! #UpTheNomads #LCFC”
Welcome Martyn Waghorn 🤝
Anstey Nomads are delight to announce the signing of Martyn Waghorn.
Waghorn will be available for Saturdays home fixture vs Bourne Town on Saturday 3rd of January come and see him the boys in action at Cropston Road! #UpTheNomads #LCFC pic.twitter.com/275FGmECaz
— Anstey Nomads (@TheNomadsFc) December 28, 2025
Announcing his retirement, he said: “Football. It’s been an incredible journey.
“I’ve been very fortunate to play for some great clubs in my career and never took that for granted… @cafcofficial @lcfc @hullcity @millwallfc @laticsofficial @rangersfc @ipswichtown @dcfcofficial @coventrycityfcofficial @htafc and @officiallyntfc I am proud to have worn the shirt of every one of these great clubs. Every time I stepped on the pitch all I wanted to do was make my family proud. There has been some amazing memories with friends and family that I will cherish forever.
Thank you to everyone at @sunderlandafc for giving me the opportunity in the game. You believed in me from 7 years old until my debut at 17, thank you all 🙏
“To represent my country at various age groups was always an honour and to also score on my England U21 debut was such a proud moment.
“Thank you to everyone who has been there and supported me along the way. I would like to mention some great academy coaches, Elliot Dickman, Ged McNamee & Kevin Ball to name a few but also everyone who helped me during my time at the academy. The friends and people I’ve met along the way… it’s been some journey 🥹
“My family, thank you. Honestly I don’t know where I would be with you all. Mam and Dad thank you for all the sacrifices you made for me and with me, Starting at Boldon Colts with you Dad, what an amazing journey we’ve been on.
“Leoni, Ruben and Enzo. I can’t put into words how grateful I am to have had you by my side in my career. To share amazing memories and moments with you is something I will cherish forever.
“I’m looking forward to the next chapter of my life & career as a Dad and a husband. Thank you. Waggy.”
He added: “Thank you to every single person who has commented. I’m genuinely very grateful for all your kind words and the love you have shown. Thanks Waggy 💙💙”
View this post on Instagram
WAGHORN’S CAREER:
2007-2010 – Sunderland – 8 games (0 goals)
2008–2009 → Charlton Athletic (loan) – 7 games (1 goal)
2009–2014 → Leicester City – 116 games (20 goals)
2011 → Hull City (loan) – 5 games (1 goal)
2013 → Millwall (loan) – 14 games (3 goals)
2014–2015 – Wigan Athletic – 41 games (8 goals)
2015–2017 – Rangers – 78 games (44 goals)
2017–2018 – Ipswich Town – 46 games (16 goals)
2018–2021 – Derby County – 123 games (30 goals)
2021–2023 – Coventry City – 42 games (2 goals)
2023 → Huddersfield Town (loan) – 13 games (1 goal)
2023–2024 – Derby County – 27 games (7 goals)
2024 – Northampton Town – 8 games (1 goal)
2025– Anstey Nomads
Honours
Rangers
Scottish Championship: 2015–16
Scottish Challenge Cup: 2015–16
Derby County
League One second-place promotion: 2023–24
Individual
Leicester City Young Player of the Year: 2009–10
Scottish Championship Player of the Month: September 2015
Scottish Championship top scorer: 2015–16
Rangers Players’ Player of the Year: 2015–16
PFA Scotland Team of the Year: 2015–16 Scottish Championship
8th tier Anstey Nomads surprises fans by signing experienced recently retired footballer Martyn Waghorn…
@PaulWil81875490: Anstey Nomads…… incredible 👏👏👏
@SteevoSteevo19: Bloody hell! What a signing that is for step 4 football.
@senorbott: When Anstey Nomads have better forward options than Leicester City
@utd_thoughts: They just rebuilding Leicester 2012? Waghorn and Nugent up top, could Andy King make a comeback?
@whosthat__4: More good signs the club is going in the right direction
@daveflemm: Post ‘beating Pools’ glow up 🤌🏻
@JaffaGer: This is one player I’ll randomly always have a soft spot for. On yer self @Mwaghorn_9
@dcfcdyl13: What the fuck.
@72jamesk: Love to see ex pros dropping down the levels it really gives these clubs a boost..!
@cibachromeblue: Not a shabby signing 👍🏼
@KevinOxford: Waggy off to Anstey to play. If fit it will be a great signing.
@UpTheWakes: Must have been scared for the visit of Bourne Town…. 😉 Had to bring in the big guns 🤣 What a signing tho 👏
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