It's already been a productive summer for the R’s, with several new arrivals joining the club and several key players committing their futures. Here's how the squad currently stands:

Returning Players:

Charlie Collis

An energetic and dynamic midfielder, Charlie brings intensity both in and out of possession, covering ground tirelessly and contributing at both ends of the pitch. His willingness to put in the hard yards, combined with his composure on the ball, has already made him a popular figure amongst the Regent faithful, following in the footsteps of fellow his brother Teddy.

Charlie Durling

The current club captain and local Brightlingsea lad Charlie Durling has committed another year with the Regent, continuing to add to his appearance tally that currently lies at over 200! The first of those came all the way back in 2016, under James Webster’s management. Categorised by his never-say-die attitude, Durling featured on thirty-eight occasions last campaign, scoring four goals on top of that.

Harry McDonald

Likewise, midfielder Harry McDonald returns for another season, after joining during the crucial run-in of our 2024/25 campaign as we pushed for a place in the play-offs to provide a boost both on and off the pitch, bringing experience composure to the heart of the midfield. The midfield general quickly re-established himself as an influential figure within the squad, delivering a series of impressive performances, and will hope to continue this form into the 26/27 campaign.

Jake Clowsley

Off the back of a successful campaign at North Road, bagging twelve goals in thirty-three appearances, and concluding the season as Brightlingsea Regent’s top scorer, Clowsley has committed to another year with the club. Jake adds the much-needed experience to the young squad after successful spells at AFC Sudbury, FC Clacton and Holland, alongside his versatility across a number of attacking roles being vital to the R’s

Dan Rowe

Continuing on the theme of forwards committing to the 26/27 season, Dan Rowe agreed another year with the R’s, following an impressive season that ultimately ended with eight league goals in thirty-one appearances. Previously playing thirty minutes up the road for Little Oakley FC, Rowe made the switch in October 2025, scoring eighteen goals for “The Acorns” in the season prior!

Ellis Ashworth

Joining in January, after short stints in the months prior at VCD Athletic and Heybridge Swifts, Ashworth made just three appearances for the R’s, however, after a frustrating spell on the sideline, will head into the 2026/27 season with renewed determination and cement a more consistent role in the team. Moreover, Ashworth possesses an unusual career path, featuring in US College system with St. Louis Lions, before returning to South-Eastern based non-league sides.

Tom Cottle-Wood

Tom Cottle-Wood spent a majority of the last campaign in the ninth tier, featuring for Stansted FC, before making the jump to the Isthmian League North. Featuring in the final six games, he will be looking to carry this momentum into next season and establish himself as a regular starter. Given his young age and immense potential, there is every chance that a genuine talent will flourish next season in the Isthmian League North.

Luca Terminiello

Concluding the retained players list (at the time of writing), Luca Terminello agreed another year at North Road, off-the-back of his first season with the Regent, which saw Luca reach twenty appearances in the Isthmian League North division, including one goal against Felixstowe and Walton United back in January, alongside another in the Velocity Cup Second Round against Witham Town.

New Arrivals

Mekhi McKenzie

The centre-forward Mekhi McKenzie joins The Regent, following on from his play-off final success with Stanway Rovers, in which he started the game. Moreover, Mekhi has plenty of experience at this level and is well accustomed to competing at the top end of the table, as he played a huge role in the Brentwood Town side which won the Pitching In Isthmian North title in 2024/2025. Alongside a couple of spells with Brightlingsea Regent, McKenzie previously represented AFC Sudbury, FC Clacton and Saffron Waldon.

Joe Watson

Rounding off the article, former Colchester United Academy player Joe Watson joins Brightlingsea Regent from local neighbours FC Clacton, where he tore the league apart, bagging six goals in thirteen appearances, after joining from the Heybridge Swifts Academy. Moreover, after impressing in the Heybridge Swifts youth set-up, he earned recognition with the England Schoolboys team, representing them on the big stage.