Leyton Orient loanee Shaq Forde to bring creativity, goals

The 19-year-old striker became the 10th summer signing for Richie Wellens when agreeing to join from the Championship club and could make his debut at Wycombe on Tuesday.

“The club approached my agent a few weeks ago, and I knew I wanted to come here,” Forde told the club website. 

“The gaffer plays exciting football here, with a lot of pressing, and he sold the project that is going on here really well to me.

“I’ve had a couple of loan spells away from Watford already and they have been really good for my development. They’ve both been successful, and I’m hoping this loan can be too.

“I had a good spell at York last season, and I want to match, if not better what I did there.

“I can bring creativity, score goals, go forward well and help the team going forward, I’m really excited to get started.

“With the game tomorrow, I’ll be getting straight into things, which I think is good for me. I can’t wait.”

Forde joined Watford at the age of seven and came up through their ranks before making his debut in their FA Cup third-round tie against Leicester in 2022.

He went on loan to Kings Langley, netting on his debut, and was named Watford’s Young Player of the Season after being recalled, signing his first professional contract in July 2022.

The 19-year-old netted nine times in 20 league games while on loan at York City last season, helping them avoid relegation from the National League and was welcomed to Brisbane Road by Wellens.

“Shaq will bring us pace and power. He’s a strong lad even though he’s only 19,” said Wellens.

“He had a great loan at York City last season, and Steve Foster speaks very highly of him as he has watched him on numerous occasions.

“He gives us a lot more attacking speed, and gives us more options.

“We’re confident he can bring us goals, and he brings that exuberance to the squad, which I think we have been lacking recently.”