From The Rookery End (watford Fc)

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

PAULO, HECTOR & HOW WE’RE FEELINGWith 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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 Wa

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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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… Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to the latest episode of FTRE, recorded in two parts as we look back at Watford’s narrow win against Hull in the Chanpionship, and the U18’s heroic effort in the FA Youth Cup Semi Final against our old friends Manchester City.The senior side will have been pleased to get back to winning ways in a game where the defence was the bright spot, while the U18s provided a timing endorsement of the work going on at the Academy with a hugely resilient performance against a very very strong Man City.Plenty to be proud of. Welcome to From the Rookery End.You can listen to our look behind the scenes at Watford Academy here - https://pod.fo/e/2b281f Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mike and DCW look back at the defeat to Bristol City on Saturday and try to make sense of how we should feel about our season given that our already slim chances of making the play-offs are now almost certainly done and dusted Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It was a sunny day at Vicarage Road but the 0-0 draw against Plymouth Argyle was a little bit dull. Howeve, Jon, Jason, Mike and Kieran gathered outside the Hornet Shop to discuss the performance, particuarly that of the younger stars in the Watford ranks.And, after he annouced his Parkinson Diagnosis, the boys look at at the Aidy Boothroyd's time as Watford manager and the 2005-2006 season which lead to the promotion to the Premier League.COME ON YOU ORNS Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With so much to disucss, from two games of football (Watford 1-0 Swansea -- Oxford 1-0 Watford) to the lack of striker, the tired looking Georgi Chakvetadze, the returning of investment money and is the season over? there was only one way to decide on what to discuss ... THE WHEEL.Jon, Jason, Jordi and Mike gathered, a little later than normal, to discuss it all... and more.Thanks for waiting and COME ON YOU ORNS Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It was a cliche, as Watford v Millwall was a game of two halves. First half was great, the second was simply awful. Jon, Jason, Jordi and Mike met to discuss it , outside the hornet shop.Plus, with the passing of former Watford player Dennis Bond, Jon talks to David Harrison, from the Watford Treasury, to discuss his time as a Watford player.We go again, never to high, never to lowCOME ON YOU ORNS Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It was by no means a classic, but there were plenty of positives for Mike, Jordi and Colin to discuss after Watford’s Stoke stalemate.The trio talk Tom’s tactics, Louza’s continued resurgence, defensive delight after a third clean sheet in a row, while also considering the ongoing goalscoring conundrum.The Academy is also on the agenda, alongside a look towards the remainder of the season. Oh and there's a tribute edition of Going for GoldENWelcome to From the Rookery End*********Donate and find out more about Team FTRE playing in the Mental Health World Cuphttps://www.givengain.com/project/david-raising-funds-for-mental-health-world-cup-97809 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The nature of youth football has changed over the years, and while Watford’s focus may have shifted at times, it feels as though the Academy is now firmly back at the forefront of the Football Club’s operations. In this special podcast we talk to the people that have worked so hard to transform the Hornets’ youth setup and learn how the Academy is not just nurturing footballing talent, but also enriching, enhancing and shaping lives for the better.Welcome to a very special episode of From the Rookery End. Welcome inside the Watford FC Academy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.