BRACKNELL Town manager Mark Tallentire is looking to sign another top-class striker to replace TJ Bohane, but admits it won’t be easy, writes Dave Wright.

Bohane, who netted 46 goals for the Robins last season, has rejoined Southern League South & West club Swindon Supermarine.

He lives close to that club, which was the major factor in the player’s decision to leave after just one season at Larges Lane.

“I had spoken to him about our plans for next season and he was certainly a part of that,” said Tallentire.

“But the chance to play for his home-town club pulled the heart strings for him. We are very sorry to lose him, but we wish him all the best.”

Bohane played a major role in the most successful year in Town’s history, helping them to finish runners-up in the Hellenic League and win the Hellenic League Cup, the Berks & Bucks Senior Trophy and the Reading Senior Cup.

“TJ has left a huge impression on everyone at the club and will be missed on a personal level as well as on the pitch,” said Tallentire.

Supermarine manager Dave Webb revealed he had started speaking to Bohane a few weeks ago and said: “He was really keen to join us.”

Webb added: “He is a proven goalscorer and the time is right for him to give this league another go.”

Bohane, 29, thoroughly enjoyed his time at Bracknell, describing it as ‘the best year I’ve had in football’.

Tallentire knows it won’t be easy to find another player of Bohane’s quality.

“It is now trying to find the right sort of player to hand over the baton to,” he said.

“With most of the players from last season staying, we are only looking to bring in two or three new players, with a new striker now being the most important.

“There are a few options out there, but I’m not saying any more than that at this time.”

Bracknell have been linked with Binfield ace Liam Ferdinand, who netted 41 goals in 39 appearances last season.

And Moles boss Roger Herridge admitted that several other clubs have also expressed an interest in his goal ace.

“Obviously, we want to keep him and he knows that,” said Herridge.

“But he if does decide to leave then I would prefer him to step up a level. He has been fantastic for us and will only get better. He’s a great lad, too.”

Binfield remain ambitious, but cannot compete financially with several other clubs, including Berkshire rivals Bracknell and Thatcham.

There is also a chance of them losing Harrison Bayley, who joined the Moles from Highmoor Ibis last season, as he is believed to be on Thatcham’s list of possible signings.

But again Herridge says he will do everything possible to keep the midfielder at the club.

He continued: “I know both Ferdy and Harrison enjoy playing for Binfield and all I can hope is that they see what we are trying to build here.”

There has been extensive work carried out at Hill Farm Lane during the close season, including a refurbished club house and new dressing rooms.

Both Binfield and Bracknell returned to training last night (Tuesday) and their early pre-season fixtures will see them playing in a four-team tournament at Larges Lane over two successive weekends, commencing July 8-9.

They will be joined by Wokingham & Emmbrook and Eversley & California.

Both of those sides also reported back for training this week and are on the look out for new players.

Dan Bateman has returned to the Sumas as team manager, with Clive McNelly his assistant.