Three Players Depart Ahead of 25/26 Season
- Zeb Baker-Smith
- Jun 17
- 2 min read
We thank Joe Budd, Elliott Dugan and Josiah McKayle for all of their efforts!
The Club is sad to say goodbye to three Robins. Joe Budd, Elliott Dugan and Josiah McKayle will be leaving ahead of the Robins' squad returning for pre-season in a week's time.
All at the Club would like to thank the trio for their commitment and efforts whilst playing in Robins red and wish them well for the future. Midfielder, Joe Budd, in particular, has played a key role in the starting line-up during his two-year spell, with superb performances leading to him being voted Young Player of the Year during the 23-24 promotion season. No Frome player made more appearances (93) than the former Wales age-group player in the last two seasons.
Elliott Dugan arrived in BA11 from Connah's Quay in January this year and made 19 appearances, scoring one goal in the Somerset Premier Cup semi-final at Paulton. Josiah McKayle signed in August 2024 and made ten appearances from the bench in between loans at Slimbridge and Shepton Mallet.
On the latest squad update, Danny Greaves says, "Elliott joined us for the second half of the season, and I don't think we ever saw the best of him. He definitely has the ability - he just needs the right environment and conditions to get that out of him consistently. I wish him well.
"Josiah has so much potential, but, at his age, we agreed he just needs to get out and play week-in week-out.
"The situation with Buddy was much more complicated and difficult. All players were spoken to in the middle of April, and were given a deadline in May to confirm their intentions. Buddy wanted to continue to assess his options, and my job is to protect the club and build the best squad possible, so we had to move on. I cannot thank him enough for his efforts and wish him well in whatever he does next."
We wish the three players all the best with their future careers! Good luck and we look forward to welcoming you back to the terraces at BA11 soon!
Listen to the latest episode of the Dodge The Question podcast!
The half-century! - Steve & Zeb are joined by Ryan Atkins to talk about some of the leavers, remainers and a new signing, as well as reviewing some of our favourite interviews and interviewees.
You can also listen on Frome.FM radio every Friday at 5pm (repeated on Saturday 3pm)
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So long, farewell, auf Wiedersehen, adieu to these Robins. It's always a bit sad to see players go, especially after they've given their all. Protecting the club's future is crucial, though. I recall a time when our local Friday Night Funkin team had to make tough choices about letting players go to build a more cohesive squad. The coach had to prioritize the team's overall strategy, even if it meant parting ways with talented individuals. It's a tough balancing act. I wish them the best wherever they end up.
It's always tough to see players leave, especially as the season approaches. I wish Joe, Elliott, and Josiah all the best in their future endeavors. Hopefully, they find teams where they can really shine and reach their full potential. It kind of reminds me of leaving the different islands in Poptropica – always a bit bittersweet to move on to the next adventure! Thanks for their contributions to the Robins.
Josiah was seemingly always on the outside of the squad and was given very few chances to shine. It's better for him to get regular games elsewhere.
Elliot looked useful and played very well at Paulton I recall, but again always struggling to get a start. Never let us down when given half an opportunity.
Joe was a holding player and very very tidy in possession. A lot went sideways and back though!. You have to have other midfielders who provide the guile. Unfortunately last season we definitely lacked a 'creative' midfielder once Smudger was out injured. Our central midfield were very defensive and not great to watch IMHO. I'm looking forward to a more creative approach this s…