Exclusive: James Morris to Leave Watford This Summer with League One Clubs Ready to Pounce

James Morris is set to leave Watford at the end of the season, SportsBoom can exclusively reveal.

The defender’s contract at the Hornets is up in the summer and he has only made one Championship appearance so far this season.

Our sources have been told representatives of the player have already put out feelers to a number of clubs ahead of the 23-year-old becoming a free agent.

It is understood a number of League One clubs are interested in securing the left-back's services.

Leyton Orient and Stevenage are among the clubs understood to be exploring a potential move for the left-back.

Our sources have also been told that as it stands no contract talks have been initiated between the Championship club and the player regarding extending his stay at Vicarage Road, which began in 2021 whilst the club were still in the Premier League.

Last season, Morris made his most appearances in a campaign for the club to date playing 18 times as the Hornets finished the season in 14th place.

Swansea City were offered the chance to sign the player during the summer, but ultimately opted to go in a different direction. 

In addition, veteran winger Tom Ince is set to be offered a new two-year deal at Watford, with the contract largely focused on a coaching role within the club’s youth setup.

Tough End at Boyhood Club

Born in Portsmouth, Morris signed for Southampton as an under-10. 

But after a decade at St Mary’s, after failing to break into the first team, Morris was released in 2021 and left struggling to find a club during the Covid pandemic.

Reflecting on the toughest time of his career, Morris said: “That was probably the lowest moment in my career. Being a Saints fan and being there 10 years, which was half my life, it was a big blow.”

“In my last season there I hadn’t really played loads, and while I didn’t know it was coming it also wasn’t a shock. But still, when you’re told you’re being released there is no feeling worse than that in football.”

“I was about to go to Sheffield United then Watford came in and offered me a trial, and I came straight away.”