We are pleased to announce that Steve Arnold has signed a contract extension for the 2024/25 National League season, keeping him at the VBS Community Stadium until the completion of the campaign.
Arnold, 34, joined the U’s last year after a good two-year spell at Southend United, and he has made 15 appearances this season since making his debut as an enforced substitute against Grimsby Town.
The seasoned goalkeeper had to struggle with Jack Rose and Dean Bouzanis for the number one slot, but Arnold eventually won, playing every minute of the remaining 13 games as Steve Morison’s side battled relegation until the end of the season.
The England C international has more than 250 career games, having progressed through the ranks at Norwich City after periods in the development clubs of Boreham Wood and Arsenal, and after being released from Carrow Road, appearing 18 times for Grays Athletic during the 2008/09 season.
He went on to play for Eastleigh and Wycombe Wanderers, where he appeared sporadically, before a successful loan spell with Hayes & Yeading United, which pushed him to regular League One action when Stevenage confirmed his signing in May 2012, during which he appeared 31 times.
Arnold went on to play for Forest Green Rovers, Dover Athletic, Gillingham, Barrow, Shrewsbury Town, and Northampton Town, where he helped the latter win the League Two play-offs 4-0 against Exeter City.
He then joined Southend in July 2021 and was named the club’s Player of the Season at the end of his first season, before leaving Essex in 2023 owing to financial troubles.
Manager Steve Morison was overjoyed to have Arnold back for another year, saying he was “buzzing for the big man to re-sign for the club.”
“He was huge for us once I put him between the sticks and one of my biggest regrets since taking over is not doing it sooner.”
“He’s a great guy on and off the pitch and it’s great place to start our re-build with the big man back for another season.”
