WOKINGHAM & Emmbrook FC senior and youth teams are to merge under radical changes at Lowther Road.

Sumas are launching a ‘one club’ initiative aimed at bringing all men’s women’s and youth teams under one roof.

The shake-up will see Steve Williams step up from head of the youth section to club chairman to replace Graham Tabor who recently resigned along with long-serving president, Mark Ashwell.

Vice chairman Neil van den Dungen and treasurer Jane Rance have also left their roles, while first-team manager Clive McNelly has quit football to run The White Horse pub on Easthampstead Road.

Jonathan Hales will take over as vice chairman having worked with the youth teams for many years.

Wokingham has a thriving youth section for boys and girls boasting 450 members across 40 Saturday and Sunday teams plying their trade in the Berkshire Youth Development League, East Berks Football Alliance, North East Hants Youth League and Berkshire County Girls Football League.

Sumas, who are official partners of Reading FC Ladies, will also be launching a new Under 18 team next season in the Thames Valley County Women’s Football League.

The club will now begin the process of recruiting a new first-team manager for next season, with Jamie Shepherd set to stay on as a coach.

Jack Herridge, son of ex-Sumas boss and current Binfield manager, Roger, has been put in temporary charge of first-team affairs.

Sumas had plenty to celebrate on the field on Saturday after toppling Hellenic Division One East leaders Penn & Tylers 1-0 at home to maintain their unbeaten league record in 2017.

The hosts went in front when a pinpoint cross from Elliot Rushforth was expertly headed home by Jack Gibbs.

They also saw Luke Giles head against the visitors’ crossbar and were good value for their lead at the break.

Penn fought back in the second half but luck was against them after Fred Tripp hit the woodwork twice.

And when they did get the chance to level from the penalty spot, Sean Woodward produced a stunning save to deny substitute Chris Hurst and secure an impressive win.

Wokingham, now 12th in the table, host Didcot Town Reserves this Saturday (3pm ko) and Sandhurst Town next Tuesday (7.45pm ko).