Josh Meekings, the 32-year-old English footballer and coach, has opened up about his time at Wealdstone, describing his departure as one of the biggest regrets of his career. Meekings, who now plays for Clachnacuddin in the Highland League, had a brief yet impactful stint with the National League club in 2021. Reflecting on his time there, Meekings spoke highly of the fans and the community, expressing his deep admiration for their support, despite the short duration of his stay.
“Leaving Wealdstone was one of my biggest regrets,” Meekings admitted in a recent interview. “The fans were incredible. I loved playing in front of them. They welcomed me with open arms, and it felt like home from the very beginning. I wish I could have given them more, but unfortunately, my time was cut short due to injuries.”
Meekings joined Wealdstone in January 2021 after a spell with Dundee, hoping to make a strong impact on the pitch. He made his debut in a 3–1 FA Trophy victory over Gloucester City, playing the full 90 minutes and showcasing the talent that had seen him play over 160 games for Inverness Caledonian Thistle in the Scottish Premiership. However, injuries plagued his time at the club, and he was able to make only four appearances before parting ways at the end of the season.
“The injuries were really tough to deal with,” Meekings continued. “I was eager to play and help the team push forward, but I just couldn’t get myself fully fit. The staff and my teammates were brilliant, but it was frustrating not being able to contribute the way I wanted to.”
Despite the setbacks, Meekings holds his time at Wealdstone in high regard. “The connection I had with the fans was something special. It’s a community club, and they made me feel like part of the family. That’s what makes leaving such a hard memory for me. Even though my time there was brief, I’ll always be grateful to Wealdstone and their supporters.”
After departing Wealdstone, Meekings went on to join Brora Rangers, where he also served as a player-assistant manager. His leadership and experience were valuable assets, but the itch to return to playing football at a high level led him to his current role at Clachnacuddin, where he dons the number 5 jersey.
Looking back on his career, Meekings is proud of his journey but is candid about his feelings toward his time at Wealdstone. “Sometimes, things don’t go as planned, but you carry those experiences with you. Leaving Wealdstone was tough because I felt like I had unfinished business. The fans deserved more, and I wish I could have given it to them.”
Now focused on his role at Clachnacuddin, Meekings remains determined to continue contributing on the pitch while guiding the next generation of footballers. “I’m excited about this new chapter, but Wealdstone will always have a place in my heart,” he concluded.
