After a disappointing campaign in the National League, the Shots will be hoping a change in the dugout will help transform their fortunes in the 2026/27 campaign.
The side hailing from Hampshire narrowly avoided demotion into the sixth tier last season, as they finished in 20th position – a mere four points clear of safety.
It was an abysmal end to their campaign, as they picked up just a single win from their remaining 13 matches – with a 2-0 away victory over a Morecambe outfit that would go on to be relegated their only positive result for months.
Off the back of a demoralising conclusion and a severe lack of encouraging signs, a mutual termination of manager John Coleman’s contract was executed after just five months in charge.
The Shots have opted to invest their faith in a manager with lots of promise and potential, former Slough Town gaffer Scott Davies – a player and coach familiar to Worthing fans over the last few years as a respected opponent.
Aldershot are entering their 14th consecutive campaign as a National League team, after exiting the EFL in the 2012/13 season.
History
Aldershot Town was founded in 1992 after the original Aldershot FC folded due to financial problems and resigned from the Football League. Supporters quickly formed a new phoenix club, which began life five levels lower in the Isthmian League Division Three.
The club enjoyed rapid success, winning several league titles and promotions during the 1990s and early 2000s. In 2008 under manager Gary Waddock, they won the Conference National and earned promotion back to the EFL, completing a remarkable rise.
After five seasons in League Two, the Shots was relegated in 2013. One of the biggest moments in Aldershot’s modern history occurred in 2025 when the Hampshire-based club won the FA Trophy at Wembley, securing the club’s first major national cup success by defeating Spennymoor Town courtesy of a 3-0 triumph at the home of English football.
Manager: Scott Davies
A successful spell at Slough Town naturally drew suitors for 38-year-old Scott Davies, with Aldershot luring him away from his role as a Player/Manager at Arbour Park.
The central defender made over 200 appearances in Berkshire, with a large majority of those being recorded while simultaneously being responsible for selecting the team.
Just last season, Davies guided his team to the Emirates FA Cup Second Round, where they agonisingly lost to Macclesfield in extra time.
Their league exploits saw Davies steer Slough comfortably clear of any threat of going down, scoring 69 goals in the process – more than three of the eventual top seven. Undoubtedly, that statistic is a testament to his attacking brand of football and an indication to the philosophy he’ll be looking to implement at his current employers.
The Irishman is vastly experienced and played almost a century of games in the Football League for the likes of Wycombe Wanderers and Crawley Town before also making over 100 appearances in the National League South for Wealdstone, Oxford City and Chelmsford City.
Now back at Aldershot, Davies has officially hung up his boots to concentrate solely on his managerial duties.
Familiar Face: Kwaku Frimpong
Midfielder Kwaku Frimpong swapped the Sussex Transport Community Stadium for the EBB Stadium this summer.
Following his departure from Adam Hinshelwood’s side, the combative midfielder was signed as one of Scott Davies’ earlier transfers as Aldershot manager.
At Woodside, the former Carshalton Athletic and AFC Wimbledon man made 21 appearances across all competitions in his sole season with the Rebels. His only goal came in a resounding 4-0 victory over Tonbridge Angels in the FA Trophy.
Previous Meetings
Worthing first played Aldershot Town in the 1992/93 season, in an Isthmian League Associate Members’ Trophy tie. Our opponents had been formed at the start of that season, following the demise of Aldershot earlier in the year, and were members of Isthmian League Division 3. We met them in Isthmian League Division 1 in the 1994/95 campaign and again between 1996 and 1998. Our last encounter, in the 1998/99 season was an Isthmian League Full Members’ Cup tie which we won 6-0: this is Aldershot Town’s record margin of defeat.
Aldershot Town were members of the Football League between 2008 and 2013.
Stadium
Affectionately referred to as ‘The Rec’, Aldershot call the EBB Stadium their home. The stadium initially hosted games for the original Aldershot FC from the 1920s onwards before the club folded before the turn of the millennium. Once the phoenix club – Aldershot Town -was founded, the Recreation Ground was reassigned to the Shots.
Situated near Aldershot High Street, the venue holds a maximum capacity of just over 7,000 spectators, with the large East Bank terrace renowned for its ability to generate a raucous atmosphere.
Distance from the Sussex Transport Community Stadium: 43 miles
Originally published by Worthing FC ↗