For the second weekend running, Nestory Irankunda delivered another sensational free kick — and somehow, this one was even better than last week’s strike. Despite his brilliance, Watford were held to a 2-2 draw at Vicarage Road against Southampton.

Post-match at the Mad Squirrel, Jon, Mike, DCW, and the Brigadier broke down the game. They discussed:

• A disjointed first half and what went wrong.
• How Paulo Pezzolano’s substitutions and a formation change transformed Watford’s second-half performance.
• The impact of Kwadwo Baah and where he might fit into the squad going forward.

After an emotional farewell to Ryan Andrews, the team was joined by Adam Drury from the Watford Observer to chat about the transfer window — including what business Watford still hope to do and how the final few days might unfold.

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As the Hornets made their second away trip of the season, this time down to south Wales to face Swansea City, the team behind the microphones was split in two. Mike, Kieran, and Ryan braved the long journey down the M4, while Jon, Jordi, Olly, and DCW opted for the considerably shorter — and far more sociable — trip to the Railway Arms opposite Bushey station.

The big question heading into the game was whether Watford would miss Imran Louza’s creativity. At least from set pieces, they certainly didn’t. Nestory Irankunda’s stunning first-half strike was a moment of real quality, lighting up an otherwise cagey affair.

In the latest episode, the team break down the match from both the stands and the bar. They discuss who stepped up when it mattered, which players continue to grow into their roles, and who perhaps fell short of expectations on the day.

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Dave, Mike and Jason gathered at the Mad Squirrel after Watford's 2-1 win over QPR to discuss the Hornets' first win of the season thanks to a first half brace from big Luca Kjerrumgaard. There was a surprising change of system from Paulo Pezzolano and plenty of encouraging individual performances for us to purr over, with the mood only slightly sullied by Imran Louza's late and straight red card.

Watford are off to winning ways in the 2025/26 season! Come on you 'Orns!

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As the 2025–26 season got underway for Watford, Jon, Mike, and Kieran headed down to The Valley to watch the Hornets take on Charlton Athletic — only to see them suffer a gut-wrenching defeat to an injury-time goal. With the season’s business now underway, we took the chance to share our first impressions of the new players, the returning faces, and the fresh style of play under Paulo Pezzolano’s guidance.

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Pre-season is nearly done and we are days away from the season kicking off at the Valley on Saturday, when Paulo Pezzolano and the 2025-2026 Watford team take on Charlton. 

After being in position for a few months, we wanted to get to know a bit more about the current Watford Head Coach.

However, we decided to take a different route.

To find out more about Paulo, we spoke to a couple of familiar faces: current player Moussa Sissoko and former player, now assistant sporting director, Valon Behrami. Plus we speak to three men who have known him for a long time: his assistant coach Camilo Speranza, Gonzalo Alvarezz his fitness coach and his personal assistant Matias Filippini.

You will hear about first impressions of him, his footballing philosophy, the type of man and coach he is, how he gets on with fans and is he ready for Gino and the inevitable pressure that comes with being a Watford manager in the Championship.

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The new season is creeping ever closer, and Watford’s 2025–2026 squad is beginning to take shape. But is it a squad capable of making a serious push for the play-offs – or even a return to the Premier League?

In this episode of From the Rookery End, DCW, Jon, and Matt Furniss break down the squad as it stands. They assess how the new signings might improve on last season’s performance, debate whether each area of the team is strong enough, and consider where further reinforcements might still be needed. Plus, they discuss which players could still be on their way out of Vicarage Road.

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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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