Boston United have completed the signing of former Derby County striker Lennon Wheeldon following a successful trial period with the National League club.
The 20-year-old has agreed an initial one-year contract at the Jakemans Community Stadium, with the Pilgrims holding an option to extend the deal for a further season. He becomes the latest addition to Paul Hurst’s squad ahead of Saturday’s opening league fixture against Aldershot Town.
Wheeldon will already be familiar to Boston supporters after spending a short period on loan with the club during the 2024/25 campaign. He made four appearances during that spell before returning to Derby, where he later made his Championship debut as a substitute against Swansea City.
The Nottingham-born forward also featured for the Rams in the EFL Cup and EFL Trophy, making three senior appearances in total before leaving Pride Park when his contract expired earlier this summer.
His most productive senior spell came during a loan move to South Shields last season. Wheeldon scored seven times in 37 appearances across all competitions, including five league goals, as Shields reached the National League North play-off final. Their promotion bid ultimately ended with a 2-0 defeat against Kidderminster Harriers.
Wheeldon had also spent time on trial with League Two side Northampton Town earlier in the summer, but has now returned to Lincolnshire after appearing in four of Boston’s pre-season fixtures as Trialist D.
He scored the Pilgrims’ equaliser against Alfreton Town and has done enough during the summer programme to convince Hurst that he can add another option to United’s attack.
The former Notts County academy player joined Derby at under-16 level and signed his first professional contract with the Rams in August 2024. He has also represented England at under-19 level, scoring once in three appearances.
Described during his time at Derby as an old-fashioned centre-forward, Wheeldon gives Boston a young striker who already has considerable senior experience at National League and National League North level.
His arrival comes at an important point for the Pilgrims, with the new National League season beginning this weekend. Wheeldon could make his second Boston debut when Aldershot visit the Jakemans Community Stadium on Saturday.