Bishop’s Cleeve have bolstered their squad with five new signings ahead of the 2025/26 season, including the much-anticipated return of prolific forward Jack Watts to Kayte Lane.
Watts is one of three former Mitres making a comeback, alongside midfielder Luke Payne and creative playmaker Toby Holland. All three featured for Malvern Town last season, the team that eliminated Cleeve in the play-off semi-finals.
Adding further experience to the squad is 33-year-old Jake Lee, who joins from Swindon Supermarine. Lee, a versatile player who has transitioned from striker to defender, began his career at Cheltenham Town and has League One appearances to his name. He has also played for Weston-super-Mare, Shortwood United, and had two previous spells with Bishop’s Cleeve.
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New young talent also arrives with left-back Joe Keeping from Cinderford Town and attacking player Lewis Spurrier joining the ranks.
Holland, a former Swindon Town professional, was one of Cleeve’s standout performers during the 2023/24 campaign before a move to Supermarine. Despite suffering a ruptured ACL, the club hopes to see him gradually return to fitness during pre-season.
The Mitres will kick off their summer schedule at home against Hereford Pegasus on Tuesday, July 1, followed by a friendly against Cheltenham Town on Friday, July 4, with a 7pm kick-off.