Cambridge United defender Kell Watts has been praised by assistant head coach Adam Barrett for his transformation over the past year, with the 26-year-old now tipped to take on a bigger leadership role ahead of the club’s return to League One in 2026/27.
League standing (final 2025 table -- new season not yet under way): 3rd in League Two, 82 pts, 22W-16D-8L from 46 games, recent form DWLDW.
What did Barrett say about Watts’ progress?
Barrett, who arrived at the Abbey Stadium last summer alongside head coach Neil Harris, has worked closely with Watts on a daily basis. The 26-year-old has repeatedly highlighted Barrett’s guidance as key to his improvement since joining from Newcastle United in June 2024, a season that ended in relegation.
“He’s a really popular guy among the group,” Barrett said after United’s 1-0 win over Preston North End in Spain on Friday. “When I came in last season, I sat down with them all, and one of the things he said was that he wanted to eventually become a captain. He sees himself in that role, so it’s about giving him the tools to help develop into that.”
How did Watts turn things around?
Watts was a standout performer last term, helping United secure promotion to League One with his performances earning him a place in the League Two Team of the Year. Barrett noted that Watts has matured into a top centre-half, understanding the game better and aligning with the team’s tactical demands.
“He’s doing it by the way he’s playing, even with his performances last season, especially from where he was at the start of it,” Barrett added. “He’s maturing now into a real top centre-half. He knows what it takes, and the leadership and things like that are what we’re pushing on to him.”
What’s next for Watts at Cambridge United?
With United back in League One for 2026/27, Barrett is keen to give Watts more responsibility, believing the defender thrives under added pressure. Watts, contracted until summer 2027, is seen as a future leader even if he doesn’t yet wear the armband.
“We want to give him more responsibility, and he’s the type of lad that thrives on that,” Barrett said. “He enjoys it. He’s going to be coming into his prime years, and I expect him to flourish and become an all-round better captain and leader, even if he hasn’t got the armband.”
United finished third in League Two last season with 82 points, just five behind Bromley, and will face Crewe in their opening League One fixture after a 0-0 draw on May 2, 2026. Watts’ development will be crucial as the U’s aim to establish themselves in the third tier.
