We are delighted to announce the arrival of highly experienced, left-sided defender, Femi Ilesanmi.
Femi, 35, pictured above in our 2026/27 home shirt, began his career in the youth setups at AFC Wimbledon and Queens Park Rangers. He made his first-team debut for the Dons at the age of 16, featuring in an Isthmian League Cup match against AFC Whyteleafe in 2007. After leaving QPR in 2009, Femi had two spells with Dagenham & Redbridge, while also spending time with Ashford Town and Histon in non-league.
Ilesanmi then spent two years with York City in League Two, making 70 appearances across two seasons. Following York’s relegation, Femi made the switch to Boreham Wood, where he would spend a significant period of his career. During his early years with the Wood, he joined Dover Athletic on a free transfer before returning the following year.
The 35-year-old became a fan favourite and a regular name on the teamsheet at Meadow Park. One moment that will live long in the memory of many Wood fans is his goal in Wanderers’ 4-3 defeat in the National League South play-off eliminator just over a year ago. Femi scored Boreham Wood’s 96th-minute winner, which proved an important step towards their promotion from Step Two that season.
Last season, Femi made 51 appearances in white, including starting in the National League play-off final at Wembley, where Boreham Wood missed out on promotion to the EFL on penalties.
On putting pen to paper, Femi said:
“All of a sudden I got a voice note from the gaffer – ‘welcome to the Wanderers.’ The moment I got that voice note, I got a good feel. I’ve come to help get (promotion) over the line, I’m hungry with a desire to win.”
Manager and Chairman Marc White added:
“Lots of experience and that’s great for the team. He’s kept super fit (over the summer) and wanted to find the right club and now he’s here! He’ll come in and add a lot of brawn.”
Your first chance to see Femi in action at Meadowbank will come next Tuesday, 8 September, when we take on Chelmsford City. Tickets for the match can be found here.