BRACKNELL Town this week confirmed the signing of Liam Ferdinand from Thatcham Town, writes Dave Wright.

The striker returns to Larges Lane, having left there last November.

He scored a total of 38 goals for both clubs last season, the joint third highest – with Bracknell’s Adam Cornell – in the Hellenic League’s Premier Division.

The Robins have also signed another experienced player from Thatcham in Josh Helmore, who can play up front or just behind the forwards.

Neither featured in the Kingfishers’ FA Vase-winning side at Wembley, with Ferdinand being cup tied and Helmore having already left the club.

Both have featured in Bracknell ‘s pre-season games and player-manager Carl Davies revealed another “two or three” signings are in the pipeline.”

But Mitchell Parker, who played in the first two pre-season games, has now signed for Reading City, playing for them last Saturday in a friendly against Eversley & California.

The Hellenic League side who have changed their name from Highmoor Ibis are managed by former Bracknell reserve managers Andy Findlay and Rob Creech.

It is not yet known if he will be dual-registered, enabling him to play in two different leagues, but City are claiming he will be playing for them.

Bracknell kick-off their Isthmian League South Central Division fixtures with a home match against Waltham Abbey on Saturday, August 11. The Essex side finished 19th of 24 in the North Division last season.

A week later Town travel to Molesey, who finished bottom but one in the Isthmian South Division.

Bracknell will not be involved in the FA Cup this season with chairman Kayne Steinborn-Busse explaining: “Our former secretary did not receive an email requesting entry. When we realised this, we did apply, only to be told by the FA that the entries had been oversubscribed.”

Town’s attempts to try to get the FA to change their minds proved unsuccessful.

Bracknell defeated Knaphill 3-0 in a friendly on Tuesday, their goals coming from Joe Grant, Khalid Senussi and Dan Carr.

The Robins continue their pre-season preparations with home games against Southern League Premier Central side Banbury United this Saturday (3pm ko) and former Hellenic League rivals Windsor next Tuesday (7.45pm).

Jemel Johnson, who featured in Thatcham’s FA Vase winning squad, has rejoined Binfield.

“We are delighted to have him back,” said manager Roger Herridge, who has also signed former Wokingham & Emmbrook youngster George Dance.

The Moles, who were beaten 2-0 by Highworth in a friendly last weekend, are away to Camberley this Saturday.

Wokingham & Emmbrook defeated Frimley Green 5-1 and are planning two away friendlies this weekend, against Sandhurst on Friday evening and Kintbury on Saturday.

Ascot United, who have signed former Binfield forward JC Etienne, have away friendlies with Eversley & California on Saturday and Holyport next Tuesday evening.