It was a short trip to Grosvenor Vale to see Watford’s 2nd preseason game against AFC Wimbledon in the Football Manager Cup. The sweltering heat gave a few problems for both players and fans in the stands, but it was another run out for the squad, still very much in its infancy, and Paulo to learn a little more about the players he has at his disposal.

Jon, Jordi and Kieran didn’t read too much into the action but got to see a few of the new boys take to the field but evaluate a few of the returning players and the type of season they are going to need to have – both the older experienced players and the younger players who showed an exciting burst last season.

Plus, Jon catches up with Adam Drury, the all-new Watford FC reporter for the Watford Observer. He’s been on the podcast many times, but we got to hear about his support of Watford, his career so far and how he is looking ahead to the season to come.

COME ON YOU ORNS

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Ever wondered how Watford’s iconic yellow gets from sketch to Vicarage Road? This week, we’re joined by Watford FC’s Head of Retail, Kevin Newman, for an exclusive deep dive into the making of the 2025/26 home kit!

From the first design doodles to final manufacturing, we unpack the timelines, the tricky business of pricing, and how sustainability plays a part in every stitch. Plus, we spill the tea on sponsorship deals, colour choices, and the eternal debate: red or black shorts?

Whether you’re a kit nerd or just love seeing the Golden Boys look sharp, this episode’s got something for you.

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With Watford announcing the formation of a Supporters Board and asking for applications from supporters to be a part of it, Mike spoke to Steve Temple, Chair of the Watford Supporters Trust to find out more, including:

What is the aim?

How will it work?

Who should apply?

Why is it important? 

There is also an update from Teve about the future and importance of the Watford Supporters Trust, with news on what the Trust is and will be working on in the coming weeks and months.

It’s an interesting and valuable chat, answering plenty of frequently asked questions about the Board and the Trust.

Give it a listen and get involved. Come on you ‘Orns

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PAULO, HECTOR & HOW WE’RE FEELING

With the dust settling on Tom Cleverley’s departure, Jon, Mike and DCW got together to try and sum up their current feelings on the state of play at Vicarage Road.

The trio talk Tom’s departure and where it leaves us, discuss new Head Coach Paulo Pezzolano - why Gino chose him and some do the challenges he might face, and hear from talkSPORT’s Adrian Durham about exciting new signing Hector Kyprianou.

There is also a look at the importance of the new Supportera Board, which is currently looking for fan applications.

It may be the cricket season, but there is still plenty to discuss. This is Watford after all! Welcome to From the Rookery End.

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Here we go again, then.

DCW was joined by Mike and Jas to discuss Gino Pozzo’s decision to sack one of the most popular Head Coaches in recent Watford history. 

The trio try to make sense of the decision, and in doing so question what future Watford can hope to have under the leadership of Pozzo, Duxbury and Nani.

The season may be over, but the drama doesn’t stop. This is From the Rookery End. Come on you ‘Orns.

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Watford's 2024–2025 Season Ends with a 1–1 Draw Against Sheffield Wednesday, Luton Town were relegated, and we marked a major milestone with a 15th birthday party for the podcast!

Post match in the Mad Squiirrel, we were overwhelmed by the number of people who came to say hello — it was wonderful to see so many familiar faces we’ve met over the last 15 years, as well as plenty of new ones. We were lucky enough to speak with many of them on this special episode of the podcast.

Adam Drury and DCW break down the match, the crowd's jubilant reaction to Luton's relegation, and share early thoughts on the potential Watford squad for the 2025–26 season. We also welcomed the Wicken brothers — Olly and Geoff — who reflected on the last 15 years in a broader historical context. Jacob Culshaw from WD18 joined us to talk about his favourite season since 2010. Kate Lewers from Women of Watford dropped in for a chat, and of course, no FTRE party would be complete without hearing from Kieran and Jordi about their favourite Watford players of the last 15 years.

And finally, we spoke with someone you've quite literally heard grow up on the podcast — the real star of the show: Arlo Parkin.

Thank you for listening, supporting, and sharing in 15 magnificent years of talking about Watford FC.

COME ON YOU ORNS!

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For the final away game of the season, DCW made the trip up to Lancashire to see a poor hornets performance against Blackburn. Joined by Charlie from WD18, they saw a team that seems to be limping its way to the end of the season but also the conversation many fans might be having - will Tom Cleverly be the Watford manager next season?

Plus there are few addendums to the 2014-2015 anniversary podcast from this week.

Don't forget, after the Sheffield Wednesday match, next week, we will be holding our 15th Birthday party in the Mad Squirrel - and everyone is welcome.

COME ON YOU ORNS

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It’s now been 10 (TEN!) years since Watford sealed promotion to the Premier League on a sunny afternoon on the South Coast. Many will remember that famous win at Brighton, but to celebrate the milestone, we thought we’d look back at the whole season.

Join Jon, Jas, DCW and Mike as FTRE takes you back through a momentous season that really did have it all. 

Altogether now; Tommie Hoban’s having a party, bring Angella and Munari…

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Easter is a great time to gorging on chocolate eggs. Watford gorged on red cards. In a two parts. Dave and Mike discuss the Burnley loss and Adam Drury joins Mike to breakdown the loss away at Pompey. Even with two defeats and three red cards the boys are able to find positives, even if Jon wasn't there. but the true faults and frustrations of this Watford team still shine through.

Two games to go and we will still be shouting COME ON YOU ORNS.

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After heading to the Hawthorns (via the brilliant Vine pub!) Mike was joined to discuss the game by Colin and Adam Drury.

The trio talk about Tom’s achievements this year and whether he actually deserves more credit, despite a downturn in results. Adam and Colin disagree on how culpable the midfield is in giving up goals, while there is also chat about Jeremy Ngakia’s good form, Caleb Wiley’s improving showings and Moussa Sissoko’s scoring record - among much much more.

Welcome to the latest episode of From the Rookery End. Come on you ‘Orns.

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