Squad for 2025-2026

[Brum Royal]

Look forward, not backwards. Taking the emotion out of it, is he the sort of signing we'd be excited about? 3 - 4 years since he was at his best, 29 and not much scope to improve, couldn't get in a team that finished bottom.

We know he has the sort of character we want, but I don't think there are many other reasons to go for it.

Yes.

Taking the emotion out of it - a decent winger, who knows the club and the set up and staff, proven ability at the division above. Good character around the dressing room, and a more consistent player compared to Campbell, with the ability to play on either wing. It's a yes from me.

[JedMaxwell]

I wonder what's taking the likes of Abrefa, Dorsett and Ehibhatiomhan longer than Pereira. You won't get a better offer than Reading lads.

My guess is that they're probably on holiday or just taking some time off, and their new contract would start in July anyway so there's no rush to sign just yet.

Of course there could be offers they're considering from elsewhere, but I think we're a very attractive proposition now we're under settled ownership.

[WestYorksRoyal]

Look forward, not backwards. Taking the emotion out of it, is he the sort of signing we'd be excited about? 3 - 4 years since he was at his best, 29 and not much scope to improve, couldn't get in a team that finished bottom.

We know he has the sort of character we want, but I don't think there are many other reasons to go for it.

Yes.

Taking the emotion out of it - a decent winger, who knows the club and the set up and staff, proven ability at the division above. Good character around the dressing room, and a more consistent player compared to Campbell, with the ability to play on either wing. It's a yes from me.

It's the "proven" bit I'm not sold on. Since his big injury, he's scored 9 goals in 4 years. I don't think he's the same player we all loved.

[Snowflake Royal]

I wonder what's taking the likes of Abrefa, Dorsett and Ehibhatiomhan longer than Pereira. You won't get a better offer than Reading lads.

They might.

Could definitely see a Champ club or equivalent taking a punt on one or more of them, particularly Kelvin.

[Snowflake Royal]

Yes.

Taking the emotion out of it - a decent winger, who knows the club and the set up and staff, proven ability at the division above. Good character around the dressing room, and a more consistent player compared to Campbell, with the ability to play on either wing. It's a yes from me.

It's the "proven" bit I'm not sold on. Since his big injury, he's scored 9 goals in 4 years. I don't think he's the same player we all loved.

If he was, we wouldn’t even be discussing him.

[Hound]

I was pretty critical of Meite during his last season with us (not his attitude just clearly the injury took something out of him), but I could see this working out ok

I wouldn’t expect miracles from him but he’s a big strong forward player who could put himself about at this level. He’d score goals as well I reckon

At 29 he could still have plenty of years left in him. I wouldn’t be against us bringing him in

He’s been involved in 72 games in last two years and prob quite a few as unused sub, so does suggest he hasn’t had injuries

[WestYorksRoyal]

Ultimately if Noel and Brian think he'd be a good signing then I'll go with that. If we could get him close to his peak he would tear up L1. I just suspect they won't go for him.

[Sutekh]

Is there anyone on this board who doesn’t just love Mr Meite (and will probably be disappointed when he isn’t re-recruited)?

[Mr Angry]

Ultimately if Noel and Brian think he'd be a good signing then I'll go with that. If we could get him close to his peak he would tear up L1. I just suspect they won't go for him.

WCBAP

[Mid Sussex Royal]

Not confrimed yet but looks like Mbengue on way to Watford (sources on Twitter).

[Sutekh]

Not confrimed yet but looks like Mbengue on way to Watford (sources on Twitter).

What, for shopping or just a random day out?

[Royalwaster]

Not confrimed yet but looks like Mbengue on way to Watford (sources on Twitter).

What, for shopping or just a random day out?

Signing for them on a 3 year deal mate.

[Pepe the Horseman]

And already people downplaying what a loss he'll be. Could be way off, but felt like our worst performances/defeats last season came when he was injured. As big a loss as Bindon imo, and losing both at the same time is a serious problem.

[Sutekh]

Not confrimed yet but looks like Mbengue on way to Watford (sources on Twitter).

What, for shopping or just a random day out?

Signing for them on a 3 year deal mate.

BUM

[morganb]

Don’t like to be bearer of bad news.
Mbengue to Watford likely to be confirmed early next week. Real shame.
2 quality centre-backs now needed.

How do you know that?

Same person who told me, Tottenham friendly at the SCL to be announced soon. Very reliable source with credible contacts.

So he justifies he knows about Mbengue transfer by using as an example another event that also hasn't happened yet...?


https://x.com/danmarkgreen83/status/193 ... YsBrA&s=19

[traff]

Will be a big loss. I thought he might stay as he seemed to have a real connection with the fans and a feel for the club. However, I am long enough in the tooth they know that players just generally love the club that pays them the most.
Massive job to sort out a back 4/5 for next season, could well be our Achilles heel .
Still plenty of time and let’s see what the summer recruitment brings.

[WestYorksRoyal]

And already people downplaying what a loss he'll be. Could be way off, but felt like our worst performances/defeats last season came when he was injured. As big a loss as Bindon imo, and losing both at the same time is a serious problem.

The best teams also typically take time to build and get to learn playing with each other. Your first choice CB pairing is one of the foundations of a good side, and even if they're replaced with good players they won't immediately perform with the consistency a promotion push needs.

[Mid Sussex Royal]

And already people downplaying what a loss he'll be. Could be way off, but felt like our worst performances/defeats last season came when he was injured. As big a loss as Bindon imo, and losing both at the same time is a serious problem.

Yes, absolutely. Lets see who we sign though, but if we're relying on what we've got left (Dorsett, Stickland etc assuming they sign) we're nowhere near top 6.

[Uke]

And already people downplaying what a loss he'll be. Could be way off, but felt like our worst performances/defeats last season came when he was injured. As big a loss as Bindon imo, and losing both at the same time is a serious problem.

Amadou should look at the history of players that we’ve sent to Watford from Trevor Senior onwards

Although IMO he was often injured (compare to Bindon for example). He’d miss a couple of games and get fit , then pull something either in his first match back and be subbed or over commit and be out for another game or two. Could have cost us that point we needed to have another Wembley disappointment day…

Can’t fault his commitment or personality though.

If we can get a set of decent defenders that stay fit then we could mitigate the loss.

Liam Bennett from Cambridge anyone? (Although he’s just signed a new contract to up his price)

[Royalcop]

Feels to me that CB should be one of the more straightforward positions to recruit into, especially at L1 level and there’ll be plenty of opportunity to loan in from the leagues above. We just need to identify the new Matt Upson who can excel with us then become an international regular!