Emotional farewell: Barratt caps Maidenhead United win with iconic tribute to Devonshire

Sam Barratt’s tribute to departing boss Alan Devonshire on Saturday. Photo: Darren Woolley

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Sam Barratt grabbed a flat cap from the crowd as he celebrated the final goal of Alan Devonshire’s reign as Maidenhead United boss on Saturday afternoon.

Barratt - a second half substitute for Liam Dulson – took responsibility when the Magpies were awarded a stoppage-time penalty at the Bell Street End, and slotted home assuredly to seal a 3-0 win over Chippenham Town.

He then gestured to the fans standing behind the goal and put on one of the flat caps that supporters had been wearing all game to show respect for their departing manager.

The last goal under Alan Devonshire's tenure as manager of Maidenhead United saw a wonderful tribute from goalscorer @SammyboyBarratt pic.twitter.com/dLdey9qcfe

— Maidenhead United (@MUFCYorkRoad) November 30, 2025

Devonshire announced last Sunday (November 23) that he would be stepping down as manager after 10 years in charge.

It is perhaps fitting that Barratt should be the scorer of the final goal of Devonshire’s tenure, as he was at the club back in 2015 when Devonshire replaced Johnson ‘Drax’ Hippolyte.

Barratt has played for Southend United and Barnet during Dev’s 10-years in charge at York Road but has made more than 200 appearances for the Magpies across three permanent spells.

The Magpies ensured Devonshire was given the send-off he deserves on Saturday as they ground Chippenham Town into submission.

Playing five at the back and a new shape that’s been implemented successfully after their 2-0 FA Trophy defeat at Leamington. Maidenhead controlled the first half and deservedly took the lead through Dulson’s powerful low shot just before half-time.

Josh Umerah directed a brilliant header past Will Henry to score the home side’s second just after the hour mark before Barratt slotted home a late third from the penalty spot after fellow substitute Jayden Mitchell-Lawson was brought down in the area.

Speaking after the final whistle, Barratt said it would be strange to be at Maidenhead United without Devonshire.

“It was a good way to top it off,” he said.

“I’ve been with him a long time and he’s been at the club a long time. He’s left a lasting legacy behind and I’m proud of have played a part in the past 10/11 years here at the club.

“It’s changed a lot since I signed when I was 18/19. The club itself has grown massively and that’s a lot to do with how we’ve performed on the pitch as well.

“We managed to achieve National League status for so long. It’s been a memorable last decade.

“I think it’s going to be strange, him not being here at the club. He’s been here every season I’ve been here barring one. So, he’s a big figure, he’s part of the club and it’s going to be very strange not seeing him week in and week out.”

Barratt doesn’t necessarily think Devonshire’s decision to stand down on Sunday is the reason for Maidenhead’s dramatic turnaround in form. United had lost seven out of eight matches heading into Tuesday’s game at Salisbury, but they won that game 6-0, with Josh Popoola grabbing a brace, before Saturday’s convincing if unflashy win over Chippenham.

Barratt said: “I think there are a few factors (For the turnaround in form). During that run of poor results, it was often very small margins.

“When we went on our winning streak, we also got the rub of the green. But I was on the bench on Tuesday and when we scored first, the body language of all the players just changed.

“We just needed a first goal in one of those games, but it didn’t come. It’s nice that it’s come after the gaffer has announced it, maybe that has released a bit of pressure, but he’s had these last two games to enjoy. It’s nice for him to finish on a high.

“The change of shape has also helped, going in against teams that have been playing five at the back. It’s worked in our past two games and there were positive signs in the Dagenham & Redbridge game as well.”

Barratt is also backing Maidenhead’s interim management team of Ryan Peters and Aaron O’Brien to take what they’ve learned from Devonshire and put it into practice in the form of getting positive results.

“I think Peyo and Aaron have been here such a long time, and they’ve worked with Dev for such a long time that things are going to rub off on them,” he said. “The way that Dev plays will remain a bit and I wish them all the best. I think they’ve got a lot of qualities to do well.

“We’ve got the squad (to compete), but I think everyone has got to remember that we’ve signed 15 new players this summer. It’s also a new league where we’re kind of like the bigger fish.

“There will be lots of teams who drop deep against us, and we’re not used to that. It’s a big change. Maybe that good run we had earlier in the season set expectations a little high, but obviously seven losses is unexpectable at any level, but hopefully we’ve switched that up now. We’ve had two very good results, and we’ll push to go on a good run again and look to be more consistent for the remainder of the season.”

Highlights from yesterday's 3-0 win over Chippenham are now available online

Watch here https://t.co/nk5g7E3JBd

— Maidenhead United (@MUFCYorkRoad) November 30, 2025