Squad: June 2026

Scotimp

Scotimp

Vital Football Legend
Swallows are in the sky and the coloured pens are out, which can only mean one thing.

As the retained list looms large and we embark upon possibly the most important transfer window in our history, this is the starting point - ages are at 30 June 2026:

Goalkeepers: (3)
Zach Jeacock, 25 (June 2029 plus one-year club option)
George Wickens, 24 (June 2028)
Jamie Pardington, 25 (June 2026)

Defenders: (10)
Deji Elerewe, 22 (June 2029 plus one-year club option)
Tom Hamer, 26 (June 2029)
Josh Honohan, 25 (June 2029)
Ryley Towler, 24 (June 2029)
Sonny Bradley, 34 (June 2027)
Tendayi Darikwa, 34 (June 2027)
Adam Jackson, 32 (June 2027 plus appearance trigger)
Adam Reach, 33 (June 2027 plus appearance trigger)
Charlie Parks, 19 (June 2027 with two-year club option)
MJ Kamson-Kamara, 20 (June 2026)

Central Midfielders: (6)
Ivan Varfolomeev, 22 (June 2029)
Tom Bayliss, 27 (June 2028)
Dom Jefferies, 24 (June 2028)
JJ McKiernan, 24 (June 2028)
Conor McGrandles, 30 (June 2027)
Oisín Gallagher, 21 (June 2027)

Wingers: (3)
Oscar Thorn, 22 (June 2029)
Erik Ring, 24 (June 2028)
Reeco Hackett-Fairchild, 28 (June 2027)

Strikers: (6)
Jack Moylan, 24 (June 2030)
Rob Street, 24 (June 2028)
Freddie Draper, 21 (June 2028)
Ben House, 26 (June 2028 plus option)
James Collins, 35 (June 2027) out until into 2026-27
Zane Okoro, 19 (June 2027 + 1 year option)

Total: 28
Contracted: 28
In on loan: 0
Out on loan: 0

Average age at 30 June 2026: 25 years, 11 months
excluding players out on loan.
.
 
Update after publication of the retained list:

Goalkeepers: (3)
Zach Jeacock, 25 (June 2029 plus one-year club option)
George Wickens, 24 (June 2028)

Jamie Pardington, 25 (out of contract, offer made)

Defenders: (10)
Deji Elerewe, 22 (June 2029 plus one-year club option)
Tom Hamer, 26 (June 2029)
Josh Honohan, 25 (June 2029)
Ryley Towler, 24 (June 2029)
Sonny Bradley, 34 (June 2027)
Tendayi Darikwa, 34 (June 2027)
Adam Jackson, 32 (June 2027 plus appearance trigger)
Adam Reach, 33 (June 2027 plus appearance trigger)
Charlie Parks, 19 (June 2027 with two-year club option)

MJ Kamson-Kamara, 20 (out of contract, offer made)

Central Midfielders: (6)
Ivan Varfolomeev, 22 (June 2029)
Tom Bayliss, 27 (June 2028)
Dom Jefferies, 24 (June 2028)
JJ McKiernan, 24 (June 2028)
Conor McGrandles, 30 (June 2027)
Oisín Gallagher, 21 (June 2027)

Wingers: (3)
Oscar Thorn, 22 (June 2029)
Erik Ring, 24 (June 2028)
Reeco Hackett-Fairchild, 28 (June 2027)

Strikers: (6)
Jack Moylan, 24 (June 2030)
Rob Street, 24 (June 2028)
Freddie Draper, 21 (June 2028)
Ben House, 26 (June 2028 plus option)
James Collins, 35 (June 2027) out until into 2026-27
Zane Okoro, 19 (June 2027 + 1 year option)

Total: 28
Contracted: 26
Out of contract, offer made: 2
In on loan: 0
Out on loan: 0

Average age at 30 June 2026: 25 years, 11 months
including players out of contract but excluding players out on loan.
.
 
Update after the new contract for Rob Street:

Goalkeepers: (3)
Zach Jeacock, 25 (June 2029 plus one-year club option)
George Wickens, 24 (June 2028)

Jamie Pardington, 25 (out of contract, offer made)

Defenders: (10)
Deji Elerewe, 22 (June 2029 plus one-year club option)
Tom Hamer, 26 (June 2029)
Josh Honohan, 25 (June 2029)
Ryley Towler, 24 (June 2029)
Sonny Bradley, 34 (June 2027)
Tendayi Darikwa, 34 (June 2027)
Adam Jackson, 32 (June 2027 plus appearance trigger)
Adam Reach, 33 (June 2027 plus appearance trigger)
Charlie Parks, 19 (June 2027 with two-year club option)

MJ Kamson-Kamara, 20 (out of contract, offer made)

Central Midfielders: (6)
Ivan Varfolomeev, 22 (June 2029)
Tom Bayliss, 27 (June 2028)
Dom Jefferies, 24 (June 2028)
JJ McKiernan, 24 (June 2028)
Conor McGrandles, 30 (June 2027)
Oisín Gallagher, 21 (June 2027)

Wingers: (3)
Oscar Thorn, 22 (June 2029)
Erik Ring, 24 (June 2028)
Reeco Hackett-Fairchild, 28 (June 2027)

Strikers: (6)
Jack Moylan, 24 (June 2030)
Rob Street, 24 (June 2030)
Freddie Draper, 21 (June 2028)
Ben House, 26 (June 2028 plus option)
James Collins, 35 (June 2027) out until into 2026-27
Zane Okoro, 19 (June 2027 + 1 year option)

Total: 28
Contracted: 26
Out of contract, offer made: 2
In on loan: 0
Out on loan: 0

Average age at 30 June 2026: 25 years, 11 months
including players out of contract but excluding players out on loan.
.
 
We have officially released nobody. That has to be almost unique in the history of the club surely.

Edit - Just seen Imp13 has previously made precisely the same observation on a different thread. Apologies for the unintended plagiarism :grinning:
 
Update after the departure of MJ Kamson-Kamara:

Goalkeepers: (3)
Zach Jeacock, 25 (June 2029 plus one-year club option)
George Wickens, 24 (June 2028)

Jamie Pardington, 25 (out of contract, offer made)

Defenders: (9)
Deji Elerewe, 22 (June 2029 plus one-year club option)
Tom Hamer, 26 (June 2029)
Josh Honohan, 25 (June 2029)
Ryley Towler, 24 (June 2029)
Sonny Bradley, 34 (June 2027)
Tendayi Darikwa, 34 (June 2027)
Adam Jackson, 32 (June 2027 plus appearance trigger)
Adam Reach, 33 (June 2027 plus appearance trigger)
Charlie Parks, 19 (June 2027 with two-year club option)

Central Midfielders: (6)
Ivan Varfolomeev, 22 (June 2029)
Tom Bayliss, 27 (June 2028)
Dom Jefferies, 24 (June 2028)
JJ McKiernan, 24 (June 2028)
Conor McGrandles, 30 (June 2027)
Oisín Gallagher, 21 (June 2027)

Wingers: (3)
Oscar Thorn, 22 (June 2029)
Erik Ring, 24 (June 2028)
Reeco Hackett-Fairchild, 28 (June 2027)

Strikers: (6)
Jack Moylan, 24 (June 2030)
Rob Street, 24 (June 2030)
Freddie Draper, 21 (June 2028)
Ben House, 26 (June 2028 plus option)
James Collins, 35 (June 2027) out until into 2026-27
Zane Okoro, 19 (June 2027 + 1 year option)

Total: 27
Contracted: 26
Out of contract, offer made: 1
In on loan: 0
Out on loan: 0

Average age at 30 June 2026: 26 years, 1 month
including players out of contract but excluding players out on loan.
.
 
Update after the departure on loan of Zach Jeacock:

Goalkeepers: (2)
George Wickens, 24 (June 2028)

Jamie Pardington, 25 (out of contract, offer made)

Zach Jeacock, 25 (June 2029 plus one-year club option) season loan to Northampton Town

Defenders: (9)
Deji Elerewe, 22 (June 2029 plus one-year club option)
Tom Hamer, 26 (June 2029)
Josh Honohan, 25 (June 2029)
Ryley Towler, 24 (June 2029)
Sonny Bradley, 34 (June 2027)
Tendayi Darikwa, 34 (June 2027)
Adam Jackson, 32 (June 2027 plus appearance trigger)
Adam Reach, 33 (June 2027 plus appearance trigger)
Charlie Parks, 19 (June 2027 with two-year club option)

Central Midfielders: (6)
Ivan Varfolomeev, 22 (June 2029)
Tom Bayliss, 27 (June 2028)
Dom Jefferies, 24 (June 2028)
JJ McKiernan, 24 (June 2028)
Conor McGrandles, 30 (June 2027)
Oisín Gallagher, 21 (June 2027)

Wingers: (3)
Oscar Thorn, 22 (June 2029)
Erik Ring, 24 (June 2028)
Reeco Hackett-Fairchild, 28 (June 2027)

Strikers: (6)
Jack Moylan, 24 (June 2030)
Rob Street, 24 (June 2030)
Freddie Draper, 21 (June 2028)
Ben House, 26 (June 2028 plus option)
James Collins, 35 (June 2027) out until into 2026-27
Zane Okoro, 19 (June 2027 + 1 year option)

Total: 26
Contracted: 26
Out of contract, offer made: 1
In on loan: 0
Out on loan: 1

Average age at 30 June 2026: 26 years, 2 months
including players out of contract but excluding players out on loan.
.
 
Scotimp said:
Update after the departure on loan of Zach Jeacock:

Goalkeepers: (2)
George Wickens, 24 (June 2028)

Jamie Pardington, 25 (out of contract, offer made)

Zach Jeacock, 25 (June 2029 plus one-year club option) season loan to Northampton Town

Defenders: (9)
Deji Elerewe, 22 (June 2029 plus one-year club option)
Tom Hamer, 26 (June 2029)
Josh Honohan, 25 (June 2029)
Ryley Towler, 24 (June 2029)
Sonny Bradley, 34 (June 2027)
Tendayi Darikwa, 34 (June 2027)
Adam Jackson, 32 (June 2027 plus appearance trigger)
Adam Reach, 33 (June 2027 plus appearance trigger)
Charlie Parks, 19 (June 2027 with two-year club option)

Central Midfielders: (6)
Ivan Varfolomeev, 22 (June 2029)
Tom Bayliss, 27 (June 2028)
Dom Jefferies, 24 (June 2028)
JJ McKiernan, 24 (June 2028)
Conor McGrandles, 30 (June 2027)
Oisín Gallagher, 21 (June 2027)

Wingers: (3)
Oscar Thorn, 22 (June 2029)
Erik Ring, 24 (June 2028)
Reeco Hackett-Fairchild, 28 (June 2027)

Strikers: (6)
Jack Moylan, 24 (June 2030)
Rob Street, 24 (June 2030)
Freddie Draper, 21 (June 2028)
Ben House, 26 (June 2028 plus option)
James Collins, 35 (June 2027) out until into 2026-27
Zane Okoro, 19 (June 2027 + 1 year option)

Total: 26
Contracted: 26
Out of contract, offer made: 1
In on loan: 0
Out on loan: 1

Average age at 30 June 2026: 26 years, 2 months
including players out of contract but excluding players out on loan.
.
Click to expand...

Get Conor contract extended this year, and start looking for a relatively all new defence as of next season 😂
 
Update following the new contract for Pardington Bear:

Goalkeepers: (2)
Jamie Pardington, 25 (June 2028)
George Wickens, 24 (June 2028)

Zach Jeacock, 25 (June 2029 plus one-year club option) season loan to Northampton Town

Defenders: (9)
Deji Elerewe, 22 (June 2029 plus one-year club option)
Tom Hamer, 26 (June 2029)
Josh Honohan, 25 (June 2029)
Ryley Towler, 24 (June 2029)
Sonny Bradley, 34 (June 2027)
Tendayi Darikwa, 34 (June 2027)
Adam Reach, 33 (June 2027 plus appearance trigger)
Adam Jackson, 32 (June 2027 plus appearance trigger)
Charlie Parks, 19 (June 2027 with two-year club option)

Central Midfielders: (6)
Ivan Varfolomeev, 22 (June 2029)
Tom Bayliss, 27 (June 2028)
Dom Jefferies, 24 (June 2028)
JJ McKiernan, 24 (June 2028)
Conor McGrandles, 30 (June 2027)
Oisín Gallagher, 21 (June 2027)

Wingers: (3)
Oscar Thorn, 22 (June 2029)
Erik Ring, 24 (June 2028)
Reeco Hackett-Fairchild, 28 (June 2027)

Strikers: (6)
Jack Moylan, 24 (June 2030)
Rob Street, 24 (June 2030)
Ben House, 26 (June 2028 plus option)
Freddie Draper, 21 (June 2028)
James Collins, 35 (June 2027) out until into 2026-27
Zane Okoro, 19 (June 2027 + 1 year option)

Total: 26
Contracted: 27
In on loan: 0
Out on loan: 1

Average age at 30 June 2026: 26 years, 2 months
excluding players out on loan.
.
 
I still find it amazing that we didn't release a single player and they are pretty much all heavily 'contracted up'.

The debate about the quality required for a step up to the Championship in the case of every player on an individual basis is a fair one, but it is equally reasonable to highlight the counterpoint benefits of stability, continuity and team spirit that our circumstances will have created by not taking a hatchet to a group of lads who clearly have the musketeer motto in spades.
 
Very novel to go into pre-season without any gaping holes and therefore having to play players out of position to plug gaps.

I expect we might move a few on once the window gets moving and as we bring in upgrades, but it's quite reassuring to at least know we have experienced players signed in each position, all of whom are on-message and familiar with each other.
 
hulloutpost said:
I still find it amazing that we didn't release a single player and they are pretty much all heavily 'contracted up'.

The debate about the quality required for a step up to the Championship in the case of every player on an individual basis is a fair one, but it is equally reasonable to highlight the counterpoint benefits of stability, continuity and team spirit that our circumstances will have created by not taking a hatchet to a group of lads who clearly have the musketeer motto in spades.
Click to expand...
And also that those who are 30+ aren't locked into long deals either - all out of contract next summer (with the odd trigger clause).
 
hulloutpost said:
I still find it amazing that we didn't release a single player and they are pretty much all heavily 'contracted up'.

The debate about the quality required for a step up to the Championship in the case of every player on an individual basis is a fair one, but it is equally reasonable to highlight the counterpoint benefits of stability, continuity and team spirit that our circumstances will have created by not taking a hatchet to a group of lads who clearly have the musketeer motto in spades.
Click to expand...
I think they offered long contracts with options expecting to take four or five years to challenge for the Championship, not less than three. Those are the players they believed had the ability to get us there in due course, and they were right with everything but the time scale.

As much as we will always love the players who gave us this incredible season, we have to accept that changes to the squad are essential and some of our favourites will move on. As Jez George says, 'if we don't take risks, we will be relegated.' The inference is, we cannot afford to enter the Championship with what we have.
 
Scotimp said:
I think they offered long contracts with options expecting to take four or five years to challenge for the Championship, not less than three. Those are the players they believed had the ability to get us there in due course, and they were right with everything but the time scale.

As much as we will always love the players who gave us this incredible season, we have to accept that changes to the squad are essential and some of our favourites will move on. As Jez George says, 'if we don't take risks, we will be relegated.' The inference is, we cannot afford to enter the Championship with what we have.
Click to expand...
Absolutely, my take is that for some, it is in the same category as the contract extensions for injured players like Collins and Montsma. Basically no man is left behind, and even if their future isn't at the club it sends a strong message that they won't be wrung dry and cast aside.

It works on several levels. The club have an asset that depending on level and development expected or not is protected, whilst the players know if they can't keep up, there is job security whilst they and the club work towards the best move for them in less stressful or cold circumstances. Harmony is maintained.

It works for both players and club in a set up of our size and player expectations. It just sits well. It would become a problem if x amount of budget was wrapped up in 'dead contract', or we signed players with an ethos that didn't buy into the system. The skill is in keeping everything in balance and accepting that the benefits of some budget being lost is outweighed by the net gains.
 
Update following the arrival of Callum Elder:

Goalkeepers: (2)
Jamie Pardington, 25 (June 2028)
George Wickens, 24 (June 2028)

Zach Jeacock, 25 (June 2029 plus one-year club option) season loan to Northampton Town

Defenders: (10)
Deji Elerewe, 22 (June 2029 plus one-year club option)
Tom Hamer, 26 (June 2029)
Josh Honohan, 25 (June 2029)
Ryley Towler, 24 (June 2029)
Callum Elder, 31 (June 2028)
Sonny Bradley, 34 (June 2027)
Tendayi Darikwa, 34 (June 2027)
Adam Reach, 33 (June 2027 plus appearance trigger)
Adam Jackson, 32 (June 2027 plus appearance trigger)
Charlie Parks, 19 (June 2027 with two-year club option)

Central Midfielders: (6)
Ivan Varfolomeev, 22 (June 2029)
Tom Bayliss, 27 (June 2028)
Dom Jefferies, 24 (June 2028)
JJ McKiernan, 24 (June 2028)
Conor McGrandles, 30 (June 2027)
Oisín Gallagher, 21 (June 2027)

Wingers: (3)
Oscar Thorn, 22 (June 2029)
Erik Ring, 24 (June 2028)
Reeco Hackett-Fairchild, 28 (June 2027)

Strikers: (6)
Jack Moylan, 24 (June 2030)
Rob Street, 24 (June 2030)
Ben House, 26 (June 2028 plus option)
Freddie Draper, 21 (June 2028)
James Collins, 35 (June 2027) out until into 2026-27
Zane Okoro, 19 (June 2027 + 1 year option)

Total: 27
Contracted: 28
In on loan: 0
Out on loan: 1

Average age at 30 June 2026: 26 years, 5 months
excluding players out on loan.
.
 
Update following the departure of Erik Ring:

Goalkeepers: (2)
Jamie Pardington, 25 (June 2028)
George Wickens, 24 (June 2028)

Zach Jeacock, 25 (June 2029 plus one-year club option) season loan to Northampton Town

Defenders: (10)
Deji Elerewe, 22 (June 2029 plus one-year club option)
Tom Hamer, 26 (June 2029)
Josh Honohan, 25 (June 2029)
Ryley Towler, 24 (June 2029)
Callum Elder, 31 (June 2028)
Sonny Bradley, 34 (June 2027)
Tendayi Darikwa, 34 (June 2027)
Adam Reach, 33 (June 2027 plus appearance trigger)
Adam Jackson, 32 (June 2027 plus appearance trigger)
Charlie Parks, 19 (June 2027 with two-year club option)

Central Midfielders: (6)
Ivan Varfolomeev, 22 (June 2029)
Tom Bayliss, 27 (June 2028)
Dom Jefferies, 24 (June 2028)
JJ McKiernan, 24 (June 2028)
Conor McGrandles, 30 (June 2027)
Oisín Gallagher, 21 (June 2027)

Wingers: (2)
Oscar Thorn, 22 (June 2029)
Reeco Hackett-Fairchild, 28 (June 2027)

Strikers: (6)
Jack Moylan, 24 (June 2030)
Rob Street, 24 (June 2030)
Ben House, 26 (June 2028 plus option)
Freddie Draper, 21 (June 2028)
James Collins, 35 (June 2027) out until into 2026-27
Zane Okoro, 19 (June 2027 + 1 year option)

Total: 26
Contracted: 27
In on loan: 0
Out on loan: 1

Average age at 30 June 2026: 26 years, 6 months
excluding players out on loan.
.
 
A lot of competition there for the back 4 or back 5 spots.

A bit short in midfield, especially if Ivan doesn't develop as quickly as we hope and the Championship turns out to be a division too high and a year too far for Conor.

Very very short up front.
 
Update following the new contract and departure on loan of Zane Okoro:

Goalkeepers: (2)
Jamie Pardington, 25 (June 2028)
George Wickens, 24 (June 2028)

Zach Jeacock, 25 (June 2029 plus one-year club option) season loan to Northampton Town

Defenders: (10)
Deji Elerewe, 22 (June 2029 plus one-year club option)
Tom Hamer, 26 (June 2029)
Josh Honohan, 25 (June 2029)
Ryley Towler, 24 (June 2029)
Callum Elder, 31 (June 2028)
Sonny Bradley, 34 (June 2027)
Tendayi Darikwa, 34 (June 2027)
Adam Reach, 33 (June 2027 plus appearance trigger)
Adam Jackson, 32 (June 2027 plus appearance trigger)
Charlie Parks, 19 (June 2027 with two-year club option)

Central Midfielders: (6)
Ivan Varfolomeev, 22 (June 2029)
Tom Bayliss, 27 (June 2028)
Dom Jefferies, 24 (June 2028)
JJ McKiernan, 24 (June 2028)
Conor McGrandles, 30 (June 2027)
Oisín Gallagher, 21 (June 2027)

Wingers: (2)
Oscar Thorn, 22 (June 2029)
Reeco Hackett-Fairchild, 28 (June 2027)

Strikers: (5)
Jack Moylan, 24 (June 2030)
Rob Street, 24 (June 2030)
Ben House, 26 (June 2028 plus option)
Freddie Draper, 21 (June 2028)
James Collins, 35 (June 2027) out until into 2026-27

Zane Okoro, 19 (June 2029) season loan to Tranmere Rovers

Total: 25
Contracted: 27
In on loan: 0
Out on loan: 2

Average age at 30 June 2026: 26 years, 9 months
excluding players out on loan.
.
 
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