BRACKNELL TOWN NEWS

Survival In Reach? - 2 February

Bracknell Town's improved form of late means that their Uhlsport Hellenic Premier Division survival is now well within their reach, according to joint manager Andy Keen.

Keen, pictured right, who became co-boss alongside Steve McClurg at the start of the season, has witnessed a dramatic upturn in performances from his team in recent weeks, culminating in a comprehensive 4-1 win over fellow-strugglers Fairford Town in their last game. The Berks Robins will have had almost two weeks off between that victory and Saturday's short trip to face Reading Town (3pm kick-off), before visiting  Henley Town next Tuesday (7.45pm), the team managed by their former boss David Tuttle. With only three teams likely to go down this season, basement-side Bracknell have 12 games left to play. Having only collected 15 points from 4 wins and 3 draws in the 28 games played, they will probably need to achieve at least 8 wins from the remaining games to ensure they have any chance of safety.

With a run of upcoming games that could certainly yield some much-needed points for his side, Keen is confident of pulling off the great escape. "Things are looking more positive, but the Fairford result had been coming for quite a while," he said. "We've got a bit of strength in the squad now. We still have 14 games to go and we have to realistically get nine results from those. The players know they are here for a fight and they'll be battling for the club and you can't ask for more than that. There will be some ups and downs between now and the end of the season, but the aim for us is not to finish in the bottom two."

He continued. "I have always said that we won't be relegated, and I still believe that. It is in our hands and we have games coming up that if we play to the best of our ability then we will win. The players have the hunger, they are young and raring to go and this is an opportunity for players to prove themselves. I would be more than happy if we play these next two games dreadfully, but get two 1-0 wins. That is the difference now because at the start of the season we tried to play nice open football and were getting beaten. Now we are more compact and more direct and it's working. We play more pragmatic football and it is something we needed to do."

Bracknell received a massive boost ahead of the Fairford game as striker Ben Knight (left) turned down a move to local rivals Wokingham &  Emmbrook after the Sumas had made a seven-day approach for him. Knight responded with a brace in that game, and will play an integral role if Bracknell are to stay up. He has already struck up a good partnership with fellow frontman Ben Harris, and Keen believes the duo will soon begin to flourish after Knight showed incredible commitment to the club's cause.

"I have to give Ben credit for his loyalty," he said. "He has been treated very well by Steve (McClurg) and Bob (Langridge) and they have really stuck by him. It is a nice thing to see from a player at this level of football especially with us sitting bottom of the league. He is finding his form, possibly because he's playing up front with Ben Harris, they are complementing each other and are starting to play as a pair, which is something we have lacked this season. He suffered a horrible injury last year and if we hadn't have been in such a pressure situation we probably wouldn't have rushed him back as we did, but he is now finding his feet again, is in good form and is scoring goals."

Midfielder Andrew Carter and left-back Adam Kennedy both miss Bracknell's next two games due to suspension, while Tom Barratt is unavailable for the trip to Reading Town. However, Lewis Fogarty and Luke Carroll will return to the squad having recovered from injury.

Still Up For It - 13 January

Mick Woodham insists Bracknell Town FC's fight for Uhlsport Hellenic Football League Premier Division survival is far from over.

Despite last weekend's agonising 3-2 defeat by Reading Town, the Robins have shown a marked improvement since the ex-Windsor FC youth team boss arrived at Larges Lane, bringing a clutch of players with him. But they remain in a precarious position at the foot of the table, a full 16 points from safety should four teams go down.

All, however, is not yet lost according to first-team coach Woodham (pictured). "It's what I expected, it's a race against time," he admitted. "We need points on the board and we need it from a bunch of boys from Windsor who haven't had much game-time. As good players as they are, they're not match fit. But we hope that will turn itself around once they have five or six games under their belts."

Woodham's arrival coincided with Bracknell's third win of the season when they defeated Ascot United 3-2 on December 27. Ascot then caused the biggest shock of last weekend by winning at league leaders Ardley United.

"Supporters have seen me come in and are probably asking 'where's the proof in the pudding?' added Woodham. "Three points from four games isn't much to boast about. But before we beat Ascot United we hadn't won since November. Now we're not getting tonked by teams either which shows there has definitely been an improvement. There is still a lot of work to do, but there is some light at the end of the tunnel."

How long Woodham and the Windsor players will remain at Larges Lane remains to be seen. "The next four of five games will probably determine how long we stay," revealed Woodham. "But we're finally getting some continuity in team selection and that is so important. There's a lot going on in the background. The squad is getting fitter and sharper and training has been excellent."

Bracknell are facing a critical run of games ahead, as they prepare to face three teams near them in the table. They travel to Cheltenham Saracens tomorrow, host Fairford Town, who are one place above them, then go to Henley Town. "The next three games are against teams around us so they're all going to be massive," declared Woodham. "They're all winnable and if we can pick up some points then you never know. What's against us is time, but I trust in the boys. We will go to Cheltenham expecting a result. We've got nothing to lose now. The club was struggling before we arrived and the only thing we can do is stay positive and see where it takes us. I think by the end of January we will know where we are."

Robins' joint-boss Steve McClurg hailed the impact Woodham has made in a short space of time, saying: "Mick's doing a very good job, we're all very pleased he's here. "We have 15 games left and I think we will need to win eight of them, we won't stop trying."

Despite Bracknell's struggles, it appears rival clubs have made seven-day approaches for two players. But McClurg stressed: "I've spoken to them and we want to keep them."

Fortune Brighter - 6 January 2012

Steve McClurg believes "The Robins" will turn their fortunes around in the second half of the season if they continue to play as they did over the festive period.

The arrival of coach Mick Woodham and a host of new players from Windsor FC provided instant success after Christmas as Robins beat rivals Ascot United 2-1 on December 27 - only their third Hellenic Premier victory this season. While they subsequently lost 5-0 to Binfield and 1-0 to Wokingham & Emmbrook, McClurg's men showed plenty of promise and gave their long-suffering supporters cause for optimism as they head into the New Year still rooted to the foot of the table.

Sam Barratt in particular caused Wokingham plenty of problems with his crossing on Monday while new signing Ben Harris netted a brace against Ascot and Alex Eastman showed flashes of his potential. There were also positive performances from other new arrivals at the club, leading McClurg to state that he thinks Robins can still avoid relegation. "I saw enough last week to think that we have enough to turn things around," he said. "We're not playing badly, we just need to score goals and maybe get a bit more luck. Everyone is settling in really well and it's a good team effort."

Bracknell still face an uphill battle to retain their Hellenic Premier status, though McClurg also insisted: "We are improving as a side, we looked good in attack against Wokingham and broke well up the pitch. Now we'll try to move on and pick up some points this month."

n between matches against local rivals Reading Town, Bracknell face crunch clashes with fellow strugglers Fairford Town and Cheltenham Saracens in mid-January. By the time they roll around, McClurg hopes his side will have gelled more and can score the goals that will fire them to safety. "Against Wokingham we didn't get what we deserved but that's football," he argued. "If you don't score you don't get anything. Every game in this league is hard, they are every week. We just need to score goals and maybe get a bit more luck or make our own luck."

Bracknell host Reading Town tomorrow (3pm ko) and then travel to Cheltenham Saracens a week later.

At Least 30 Points - 16 December

Steve McClurg believes the club need at least 30 more points to avoid relegation from the Uhlsport Hellenic Football League Premier Division.

The Robins' plight deepened on Tuesday night after a 4-0 defeat at Kidlington. That followed Saturday's controversial 2-0 home defeat by ex-Bracknell boss Dave Tuttle's Henley Town when Robins were denied three possible penalties. It leaves McClurg's men stranded at the bottom of the table and a whopping 11 points from safety with just over half the season gone.

Only a dramatic change of fortunes can save Robins now, and McClurg is well aware of the size of the task facing them. "We're over half way through the season now, we know we're in a real battle," he admitted. "I said last week we needed to win half our games from now until the end of the season and obviously that hasn't changed. We need about another 30 points from somewhere and that is the challenge. We'll keep trying."

Robins are still searching for their first clean sheet this season, having shipped a staggering 79 goals in 21 matches at a rate of almost four per game. By stark contrast, they have scored only 15 goals themselves and need a dramatic improvement at both ends of the pitch,. McClurg explained regarding the Kidlington match: "We started quite well but gave a goal away. Then we were static at a free-kick, didn't track their player and they score to go two up. We were up against it from there, we gave ourselves too much to do. We still played some good football at times but we're just not defending well. We have been giving goals away all season and we can't keep doing that."

One plus point to come out of Tuesday's defeat was an impressive debut for Under 18s starlet Joel Davidson. Davidson played alongside fellow teenager Sam Barratt in midfield, and McClurg added: "Joe played well, it was a good debut. Sam Barratt also had a good game. We're playing some good football but we need to stop conceding goals."

McClurg and joint-boss Andy Keen are still trying to strengthen the squad, with more new signings possible before tomorrows trip to Thame United (3pm ko). It is the last game before a hectic festive fixture list that includes local derbies against Ascot United, Binfield, Wokingham & Emmbrook and Reading Town. "There could be a couple more singings on the horizon, but nothing is certain at this point," said McClurg. "It's always tough when you throw players in, we had no reserves side to try them out. But we'll keep going and do the best we can."

Bracknell Player Of Month - 14 December

The Bracknell Town Football Club November Player of the Month – sponsored by Paul's Landscapes is striker Ben Knight.

Knight is a credit to the club and has worked his way back from a serious injury sustained at Kidlington last season and has played in 19 of the clubs 20 league games this season, scoring 3 goals.

Ben was the narrow winner just ahead of young winger Sam Barratt, and was awarded his box of lager by Club Director Darrell Freeland ahead of the Henley Town game.

The award is voted for by the clubs directors and first team management and kindly sponsored by Bracknell striker Harry Swabey's dad Paul and his company Paul's Landscapes. Previous winners this season have been Dan Sleet (August), Tom Barratt (September) and Martin Hutt (October).

Miracle To Survive - 4 November

Bracknell Town joint-boss Steve McClurg admits they need a 'miracle' to avoid relegation.

Robins slumped to their sixth successive defeat in all competitions on Tuesday night when they were thumped 6-0 at home by Slimbridge. It leaves them stranded at the bottom of the Hellenic Premier, with only one win and one draw from 15 matches. It will take a massive recovery to save Bracknell now, and McClurg knows the odds are stacked against his side.

"If we can get out of this it would be a miracle, but we're going to keep trying," said McClurg. "If there's someone out there who wants to come in and give it a go then fair enough. I'm certainly not going to walk away but it's a very tough job we've got on our hands now. All we can do is keep trying and keep our chin up."

Robins have made a string of recent signings in a bid to arrest their depressing slump. Ex-Bracknell Town favourite Jon Palmer, right, has signed dual-registration forms from Godalming Town, while midfielders Ryan Coupland and Craig Levey, Sandhurst Town defender Harry Oakley and Abingdon Town winger Tyrone May have all joined in the past fortnight. Along with that, youth team players Matt Higham and Alex Young have joined the first-team ranks along with Tadley Calleva signing Barry Ahmed and young French midfielder Joris Grivet.

But it the re-signing of Palmer which has raised hopes of a miraculous escape. "We're bringing new players in and we're hoping Jon Palmer can make a difference," stated McClurg. "He's a good player and he should be able to improve us up front."

Sadly, Palmer's presence failed to save Bracknell on Tuesday nigh with a 6-0 loss at home to Slimbridge.

And McClurg declared: "We've been working hard all season so it is nothing to do with a lack of effort from anyone at the club. We desperately want a team which is hard to beat, but sadly that hasn't been the case. These are difficult times, but the club has gone through a lot of changes recently. We've just got to dig in and hope our luck will turn."

Berks Robins Suffer Swabey Blow - 27 October

Bracknell Town's turbulent season suffered a major blow with the news that striker Harry Swabey has been ruled out for the next twelve months.

Swabey, a landscape gardener by trade, who has been plagued by knee problems, was told by his specialist that he needed to give up football and all other sports for a year to rest his joints or risk not being able to walk in later life. Obviously this is a major blow for the Robins, but the welfare of Harry is of the paramount importance and everyone at Larges Lane wishes him well.

Pauls Landscapes, the company which Harry runs with his father, remain a loyal sponsor of the club and their continued support is much appreciated.

A Winning Habit - 14 October

Bracknell Town joint-boss Steve McClurg has told his players winning must become a habit in their quest for survival.

Robins recorded their first league win this season on Saturday with a comprehensive 3-1 victory at Holyport. But hopes of starting an unbeaten run were dashed on Tuesday night when they crashed 3-0 at home to Slimbridge to stay rooted to the bottom of the Hellenic Premier table.

McClurg told the Bracknell News: "Saturday was a great result, there's no denying that. We played very well and it was a big step in the right direction. But we won't get carried away because one swallow doesn't make a summer. We have a long way to go before we can start thinking we have turned the corner."

He insisted: "People have said complimentary things about us, but talk is cheap. We have played good football in a lot of games, but you need results at the end of the day."

Even though Holyport are new to the division, Robins were underdogs before Saturday's game due to their wretched start to the season.Yet McClurg's men cast off their shackles and were worthy 3-1 winners thanks to goals from Ben Knight, Harry Swabey and Gary Newson.

"The players were obviously happy, it was our first win," added McClurg. "It's the best Bracknell has played in a long while, but we've got to keep that going now. Hopefully we can have a few more wins like that. We need to repeat it on a regular basis. But I don't deny it's hard when payers are injured or unavailable and you have no reserves side because there is no-one to come straight in."

Such hardships cost Bracknell again on Tuesday when Alex Eastman plus recent signings Romaine Lewis and Adam Pharo were unavailable. To add to their woes, defender Newson limped off moments after Dan Sleet had missed a sitter to put Robins 1-0 up in the second-half. It came back to haunt them as Shrivenham scored three goals in the next seven minutes with Steve Robertson grabbing a brace and Blaine Fitzgerald netting the other. A Bracknell win would have lifted them off the bottom, but once again they were undone by a combination of bad luck and poor defending. They now have the worst defensive record in the division and have scored the least amount of goals - a surefire recipe for a relegation battle.

It won't get any easier for McClurg's men either as they host leaders Flackwell Heath at Larges Lane this Saturday (3pm ko) then travel to fifth-placed Oxford City Nomads next Wednesday night (7.45pm ko). McClurg admitted: "We've got a tough run coming up, we know that. But they're all tough in this division and I'm sure Holyport would say the same after we beat them. But we'll prepare as normal and hopefully we can produce a similar performance to last Saturday when we won."

Goals Needed - 30 September

Bracknell Town slumped to their heaviest defeat of the Hellenic League season amid calls for the club to bolster their front line.

Robins were hammered 7-1 at Ardley United on Tuesday night and remain bottom of the table. They are the only side in the division yet to win a game, with a relegation scrap for the third season in a row now looking ominous. Their cause was not helped by the unavailability of six first-team players on Tuesday night when Ardley were quick to punish those weaknesses.

But it is Bracknell's goalscoring problems which are a bigger concern, according to joint-boss Steve McClurg. Robins have found the back of the net a meagre four times in nine Hellenic Premier matches this season, eight of which ended in defeat. They have taken just one point from a possible 27 and, unless that improves, McClurg knows he has a fight on his hands to keep the club in the division.

Speaking exclusively to the Bracknell News, McClurg said: "I can't fault the effort the lads are putting in. They're trying their best but it's goals we need in the team. We've mixed it up and tried different things, but we're still searching for the answer. We've lost a lot of players over the summer and we're working on things all of the time. We're always on the lookout for players, but getting them is easier said than done. But everyone knows that if you aren't scoring goals you aren't giving yourself a chance."
McClurg added: "The fact is we can't score goals and the sooner we sort that out the better. It would be nice to add a new face or two to the squad in that respect, and we're always looking. We're creating chances and I'm not unhappy in that department. But we're not putting them away and if you don't score you don't win games. We desperately need a goal whether it's off someone's backside or whatever. If we can hit the back of the net and get that first win I think we can build up some momentum and start climbing the table."

Bracknell entertain Hook Norton in the Bluefin Inusrance Challenge Cup first round at Larges Lane this Saturday (3pm ko). Then return to league action a week later with a trip to Holyport.

Berks Robins Player Of Month - 20 September

The popular Bracknell Town FC player of the month award returned over the summer courtesy of a generous sponsorship from club benefactor Paul’s Landscaping.

The initial recipient of the award was a unanimous one, centre-back Dan Sleet. Dan has stepped up almost seamlessly to Hellenic Premier Division football this season after joining from Fleet Spurs and has been one of the stand out players in Bracknell’s tricky start to the season.

The award is voted for by the club directors and the first team management of Steve McClurg, Andy Keen and Bob Langridge. ‘Sleety’ was awarded his box of lager in recognition by Paul Swabey of Paul’s Landscaping before the home match against Wantage Town at the weekend.

Positive Signs - 16 September

Joint-boss Steve McClurg insists there are 'positive signs' to build on despite a week of heavy back-to-back defeats for Bracknell.

Rock-bottom Robins were beaten 4-1 at home by local rivals Binfield on Saturday then crashed 5-0 away at promotion-chasing Shortwood United on Tuesday night. Whilst the Binfield scoreline was particularly harsh on Bracknell, they could have few complaints about the midweek drubbing in Gloucestershire.

Nevertheless, McClurg says there have been glimpses of improvement from his squad over recent weeks and he is confident their fortunes will soon turn around. He told the Bracknell News: "It's going to take time for the new players to gel. That always happens when there have been a lot of changes in a short space of time. But in the same breath we need to get some points on the board and we're confident things will pick up. Admittedly, we could probably do with a bit more experience in the side and it's always hard when you are bringing new players in all the time. We don't have a reserve side either to feed players through but we get on with it and keep plugging away. Hopefully it will start coming good in the next few games because there have been some positive signs."

Bracknell's biggest problem has been finding a settled team after McClurg was forced to rebuild his squad over the summer. Finchampstead signing Luke Axton-Hall is the latest new player to arrive, with Matt Humphrey, Rhys Cunningham, Jonny Danquah and Timi Lijadu having joined the club last week.

But McClurg needs them to settle in quickly with Bracknell Town currently bottom of the Hellenic Premier League and the only side yet to record a win.

A lack of availability and injuries are also taking their toll, but McClurg has faith in his players to haul themselves out of trouble. "It's not easy when you keep changing your side, but we'll get there in the end," he insisted. We played well and created a lot of chances against Binfield, but we didn't take them. Obviously that's frustrating for everyone but we have to persevere and keep playing that way."

There is no respite for Bracknell either as they prepare to host last season's title winners Wantage Town at Larges Lane tomorrow. Then looming on the horizon are more daunting tests against the top sides in the division including Flackwell Heath, leaders Oxford City Nomads and Slimbridge.

"We've played a lot of the top teams early on so you could say we have got them out of the way," he argued. "But we're not foolish enough to think there are easy games coming up. They're all tough games whether you are playing a team at the top or the bottom. We cannot afford to relax in this division, we have got to be right on our game every time we pull on the shirt."

Resurrected Hutt - 26 August

No this isn’t a Best Bracknell XI in the wrong place. Bracknell Town are pleased to announce that club physio and former goalkeeper Martin Hutt has signed Hellenic League forms and hopes to help out when needed.

The ‘keeper, last featured during Alan Taylor’s reign at Larges Lane and played in excess of 200 games at Larges Lane. Hutt was a mainstay at the club during an era of relative success in the early 2000′s when the Robins reached the First Round Proper of the FA Cup (although he didn’t feature in the match at Lincoln City due to injury) and the Fourth Qualifying Round defeat by then Conference side Barnet.

Bracknell were in need of a stand-in goalkeeper as Chris Adams is unavailable for the trip to Fairford Town on Saturday, and Hutt, who had a spell at Binfield on leaving Bracknell, was only to delighted to help out. The club would like to welcome Martin back to the club in a playing capacity.

In other news from Bracknell

Bracknell Town Football Club are pleased to announce ‘Charity Poker Night 3′ on Saturday 24th September.

The event, organised by club members Michael Keen, Taj James and Gary Doyle, has already raised £1,300 for Thames Hospice and Marie Curie Nurses over two events in 2011.

Entry for the night is £15 on a first come-first serve basis. This includes a £2 bounty chip and food. A £10 deposit to guarantee a place. Doors open 7pm. Assuming 6 tables of 8 players we hope to have cash prize winnings of: £150 for first place, £100 for second place, £50 for third place, £25 for 4th place

Long standing Bracknell Town club members Angie and Bill Canning are taking part in an epic Lands End to John O’Groats motorbike ride in just over a weeks time. The pair have only recently taken up motorbiking as a hobby but have joined up with friends Andy Jordan and Graham Baker to complete the trip in aid of the Thames Valley and Chiltern Air Ambulance Trust. Andy, who with wife Pauline runs the Pinewood Leisure Centre Bar & Cafe hopes to make a good amount for the worthwhile cause.

The group have setup a JustGiving page so you can sponsor them and their trip online. Everyone at Bracknell Town FC would like to wish Angie and Bill the best of luck with this challenge and both said: “We hope people can get behind this trip, it’s a bit of an adventure for us.

“We’ll try and keep you upto date with the trip and if you’d like to donate but can’t spare to much, you could always pop some pennies in the TV&C Air Ambulance pot on the club bar.”

Support For Youngster - 16 August

Big hearted Bracknell Town striker Omar Cofie has pledged to donate £2 to Reading youngster George Major’s charity ‘George’s Marvellous Medicine’ fund via his twitter page @mario41cofie.

The striker, who hopes to make his Robins league debut at Witney Town tonight, was struck by George’s courage and made his pledge. Then six-year-old George, from Earley was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia in June 2009. While staying at the Children’s Oncology room at the Royal Berkshire Hospital George decided that he would like to improve the facilities there.http://www.bracknelltownfc.com/wp-admin/post-new.phpVisit

Consequently the family set up a charity called George’s Marvellous Medicine Fund and exceeded all expectations, raising £8,000

Rooms at the Oncology Ward now have a huge selection of toys, games, a Wii and new furniture courtesy of George’s efforts.

Making his pledge on twitter, Cofie said: “For each goal I score for Bracknell this season, I'm donating £2 to Georges Extra Marvellous Medicine Fund. Amazing kid!

“He's an incredible kid, amazing story!”. Cofie has also persuaded fellow Robins debutant Alex Eastman to join in, with the flying winger saying “For every game I don’t score in I will donate £1″.

And bracknelltownfc.com webmaster Tom Canning said: “George is a fantastic young lad that I’ve read about on my work website getreading.co.uk. I’ll donate a £1 for every goal Bracknell score this season. I’ll also donate £5 every time Liam Woozley gets himself sent off this season!”.

Cofie is hoping to persuade more of his team mates to join him in donating for a very good cause.

Local Business Support For Bracknell -12 August

Bracknell Town Football Club are being well supported by local businesses this season with no fewer than 23 pledging money or services to the club.

There is also the exciting prospect of more to come as the club continues to rebuild it’s awareness in the community. Bracknell Town Director Tom Canning comments. " As a newish Director of the club, I am appreciative of anyone prepared to give their time and/or money to the club, and remain in awe of the handful of people who work tirelessy behind the scenes to keep it going."

"Local businesses are supporting us with donations of anything from £30 to four figure sums and it will all help ensure that we can continue to provide Men’s, Youth, Ladies and Junior football at Larges Lane for the forseeable future".

"I know the club has struggled over the last 5 or 6 years, but we are working hard to improve the club both off and on the field, and the news yesterday that there are now over 180 registered junior players (an increase of 80 on this time last season) is great news.Things like getting more people to the club and increasing business support are two of our key goals, and we are getting there. Events like the Ale Festival and the new club website, only help to raise the profile of the club. "

Robins Sign Eastman - 10 August

Bracknell Town joint-managers Steve McClurg and Andy Keen pulled off something of a coup this week with the signing of former Hampton & Richmond Borough winger Alex Eastman.

Eastman has form with Bracknell, having played under Keen at Youth Team level whilst also playing under former manager Kerthney Carty before a serious injury in a pre-season friendly at Sandhurst Town ruled him out for the season.

Alex has since been at Blue Square South side Hampton & Richmond Borough where he was on the fringes of the first team and last season made 14 appearances for the Reserves scoring 1 goal.

Eastman has been one of the stars of Bracknell’s pre-season campaign and we are delighted to welcome him back to the club.

Bracknell have also added former Reading Town Allied Counties Youth full-back Ben French to the squad.

Harvey Returns - 4 August

Pacy forward Ian Harvey re-signed for Bracknell Town last night after two seasons away from Larges Lane.

The winger and striker last played for the Robins under Byron Walton and was the last player alongside Michael Buck to have a contract at the club. The signing of Harvey, who graduated from the Youth Team under Andy Keen, will hopefully give fans a boost ahead of the new season, knowing one of the most exciting prospects from our Southern League days is back at the club.

Also signing on last night was Youth Team midfielder and long throw expert Tom Barratt and full-back Mark Hayward who played under Keen for the Youth Team.

Barratt made a big impression for the first team last season with his work rate and ability, and made the most appearances of all the Youth Team graduates in the first team last term, while getting on the score sheet against Pegasus Juniors.

The club would like to welcome both Ian Harvey and Mark Hayward back to the club.

Robins Return To The Nest - 19 July

Bracknell Town FC are pleased to announce that 2010/11 top scorer Harry Swabey, fellow striker Ben Knight, Sam Dennison and George Archer are amongst those players returning to Larges Lane next season.

Additionally, Harry’s Dad Paul has pledged to sponsor the Player of the Month Award for 2011/12 through his company Pauls Landscaping.

Other Players signed include Chris Smith (previously at Nuneaton Borough), Dan Sleet (Fleet Spurs and BTFC Football in the Community coach), midfielder Omar Cofie as well as former Robin Adam Kennedy.

Oz Robins - 11 July

Several weeks ago Bracknell Town said goodbye to great friends of the club, Chris Campbell and Lisa Dennis, holding a farewell party for them prior to their move to Adelaide

On his departure Chris promised us he would get the Bracknell scarf above the bar at his new adopted club Seaford Rangers.

As you can see from the photo, he has already succeeded amongst the Birmingham City, Falkirk and Southend United pennants.

Bracknell Town Junior Football Club are pleased to announce the addition of an Under 13s Girls side for the 2011/12 season.

The new side are looking for players keen to join the squad which plays in the North East Hants League. A bonus for any girls keen to get involved and join Bracknell Town FC is the prospect of progressing to the full Ladies First and Reserve sides which play in the Southern Region Women’s League.

If you are interested in joining the team, email Chris Day on info@bracknelltownjfc.com call 07967 176 519

Bracknell Announce First Team Sponsor - 4 July

Bracknell Town FC are delighted to announce the continuation of their first team sponsorship deal with Bracknell Printroom who confirmed their commitment to the club for another season today.

The Bracknell Printroom sponsored the first team through season 2010/11 and we are pleased to have them on board for the forthcoming season.

Bracknell Town Football Club would not survive without the support of local companies and it’s army of volunteers, and we would like to thank Bracknell Printroom for their continued support.

Printroom Director Simon Lewington said “The sponsorship agreement has been great for us and has put us in a positive light within the community, and we are pleased to be able to continue our support of Bracknell Town FC for another season”.

The Printroom Group has been established for over 30 years and is still leading the way today. They can produce anything from leaflets to posters and exhibition & display materials.

Bracknell Printroom will also be sponsoring a number of home games throughout the season including the visits of Binfield, Wokingham & Emmbrook and Henley Town.

Delighted - 1 July

Newly appointed joint-first team manager Andy Keen is delighted to have the opportunity to finish the job he started six years ago at Bracknell Town FC.

The former Robins youth team coach plans to build a successful team alongside Steve McClurg by attracting former players back to the club. Keen led Bracknell's youth side to two County Cup finals and the first round of the FA Youth Cup before a brief stint as caretaker manager of the senior team that included three wins, a draw, and one defeat in the 2007/08 season.

The ex-Chalfont Wasps and Beaconsfield SYCOB manager replaces Richard Whitty who decided to return to Binfield after 12 months at Largers Lane. Keen commented: "I am clearly happy to have been given the job. I think I'm a good coach and a good manager, and I'm pleased to have the chance to try and finish the job. I spent six years as the club's youth manager and the players I had then are now back from university and things like that. I would like to get those players back because they are good enough to play at step four as well as step five and some have already moved up into the first team. If we can't get them back this year, then we'll try next year, and I think there are a lot of good players in the area that we can call in to work with and improve the team."

He continued: "We (Keen and McClurg) had a chat with the chairman and we are going to try and build a team this season and then try to go up next year. There are lots of local derbies in this league (Uhlsport Hellenic Premier) and it would be huge if we could try and impose ourselves on those, without putting too much pressure on the players, to show the town that we have a good team."

McClurg helped guide Bracknell away from a second successive relegation last season and believes Keen's arrival will help bring success to the club. He said: "The appointment of Andy is a good one for the club. I've had a long chat with him and we are both happy with it, it's good for me too. He had a period in charge as caretaker manager which I understand was pretty successful. But, we have to remember, it is not about me or Andy, it is about us pulling together and trying to bring some success to the football club."

Speaking about the possibility of bringing in new players he added: "We have already had talks with lots of players that we want to try and bring in but the proof will be in the pudding when we meet for pre-season training."

Berks Robins Appointment - 26 June

Bracknell Town FC are pleased to announce the appointment of Andy Keen to the position of joint-first team manager.

‘Keeno’ previously enjoyed a successful spell at the club where he was youth team manager, twice taking the youth team to County Cup Finals, as well as the 1st Round Proper of the FA Youth Cup.

Andy also famously took the first team on a run of three wins, a draw and a defeat during a 5 game spell as caretaker manager during season 2007/08.

Since leaving Bracknell, Keeno has been manager of Chalfont Wasps first team, Beaconsfield SYCOB and Sandhurst Town Reserves and a brief spell as caretaker manager of Sandhurst first team.

We would like to welcome Andy back to the club and look forward to the new season.

Thirsty Work - 24 June

The Bracknell Town FC Ale & Wine Festival organisers have made their first beer orders ahead of the big day at the football ground on Saturday 16th July 2011.

The festival, which kicks off at 1pm and includes a barbeque and an evening of live music, is organised by club members Tom Canning & Michael Keen, to raise awareness of the club.

Beers ordered so far:

Hullabaloo from Loddon Brewery (“English Fuggles impart a dry, herby bitterness which is balanced by the distinctly biscuity flavour of Crystal and Amber malts. A Best Bitter”) – www.loddonbrewery.com

Rebellion Mutiny from Rebellion Brewery – (“A reddish, full bodied premium ale, with a rich malty flavour & a lasting, hoppy & bittersweet finish”)  www.rebellionbeer.co.uk

Space Hoppy from Binghams Brewery (“Space Hoppy IPA is a pale golden ale and the hops impart a citrus flavour to make this beer hugely refreshing and ideal for accompanying most foods.”) – www.binghams.co.uk

Dry Hop Gold from Dorking Brewery (“A perfect session beer, easy to drink, refreshing, tasty with a great flavour”) – www.dorkingbrewery.com

Rebellion Blonde from Rebellion Brewery (“Brewed using only pale and lager matls, giving the beer a very light golden colour.) – www.rebellionbeer.co.uk

Brickworks Bitter from Binghams Brewery (“A malty bitter which is chestnut in colour with a slightly nutty hint.”) – www.binghams.co.uk

More will follow over the next couple of days. They intend to have 14 different ales from 9 breweries.

Tickets available on line at www.bracknelltownfc.com

New Website For Robins - 20 June

Tom Canning and others at Bracknell Town have been busy in the web construction department over the past few months and have launched a new website for the Berkshire club.

The bespoke site, which still retains the url www.bracknelltownfc.com/, covers news from all teams involved with the club.

Bracknell Town Seek Manager - 17th June

Whitty Fly's from 'Robin's Nest - 13th June

Bracknell Town Secretary Tony Hardy has advised that 1st Team Joint Manager Richard Whitty has left the Club to pursue opportunities elsewhere.

The Club thanks Richard for the work he did for Bracknell upon his short return to the Club last season and would wish him well for a successful continuation of his career in football management. Bracknell Town though are delighted to confirm that Steve McClurg shall continue as 1st Team Manager for the coming season. Steve shall be assisted by Bob Langridge and the management team will again be supplemented by coaches Colin and Kevin Arnett.

The Bracknell Town FC programme 'Robins Review' was recently voted number ONE in the Hellenic Premier Division in a nationwide survey. The programme, produced by stalwart editor Rob Scully, was awarded the accolade in the 18th Annual Soccer Club Swap Shop Awards for season 2010/11. Congratulations to Rob who deserves a lot of credit for producing a fantastic programme week in week out.

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