BRACKNELL Town FC have signed Joe Gater, a 20-year-old central defender from Basingstoke Town, writes Dave Wright.

He had previously played for Barnet and Chesham United.

Manager Mark Tallentire is also looking to make further signings as he strengthens his squad that won three cup finals and finished runners-up in the Hellenic League.

The Robins will be back in training on Tuesday, June 27 and have arranged an attractive selection of pre-season games, starting a week later by taking on Hungerford at Larges Lane. They will then host a four-team tournament along with Binfield, Wokingham & Emmbrook and Windsor over successive weekends, July 8-9 and 15-16.

Pre-season games continue with a trip to Holyport on Thursday, July 20 and three more home matches - against Basingstoke on July 22, Chalfont St Peter the following Tuesday and Uxbridge on Saturday, July 29.

Their opening Hellenic League game is likely to be on Tuesday, August 1.

Bracknell will also be playing Windsor in the league next season with the Stag Meadow side having been switched from the Combined Counties League.

Subject to confirmation at the Hellenic League’s AGM on July 2, other newcomers to the 20-team Hellenic Premier Division are Abingdon United, Fairford Town, Wantage and Woodley United. Burnham and Henley have been relegated.

Bracknell, in conjunction with Soccersixes, have launched a weekly league for older players which will be held each Friday, starting at 7.30pm.

This is in addition to the all-age Monday and Sunday evening six-a-side leagues at Larges Lane.

The new competition will feature regular games for the over-35s and over-55s, while there is also be a walking football session.

Matt Scoffham, the development director for Soccersixes, said: “This is a great way for players to get together on a Friday night for a game of football and a social drink in the bar afterwards. ”

Teams can join online at www.soccersixes.net or more information is available from Matt on 07796696837.

Hellenic Division 1 East side Wokingham & Emmbrook have confirmed that Dan Bateman is returning as manager and will be assisted by Clive McNelly, who was in charge last season, and Jamie Shepherd.

Bateman said he is “looking forward to getting started again.”

There will be several new opponents for the Sumas and Sandhurst Town compared to last season, with Burnham and Henley both coming down from the Premier, Milton United, Thame Youth, Virginia Water and Wallingford Town all coming into Division 1 East.