Mark Tallentire has returned to promoted Bracknell Town as they prepare to move up to Step 4 football in the Isthmian League, writes Dave Wright.

The Robins’ former manager has been appointed Head of Football and will oversee all of the club’s 32 teams, right down to the under-7 age group.

“It’s a new role for me and one I am really looking forward to and giving it a good go,” he said.

“We are moving into a new league and these are exciting times for the club, so it’s good to be back.”

Also returning to Larges Lane is former player Gavin Smith, who will assist player-manager Carl Davies, having just left Combined Counties League side Godalming where he was joint manager.

Tallentire’s return had been on the cards for several weeks, having regularly attended matches home and away.

He is regarded as the most successful manager in the club’s history, guiding them to three cup final wins last season when they also finished runners-up in the Hellenic League.

However, last September he left the club after a “difference of opinion” with chairman Kayne Steinborn-Busse and was replaced by the former Ascot United duo of Jeff Lamb and Paul McGrotty, but they only lasted until February.

Davies, then the skipper, took on extra duties of player-manager, with Tallentire’s former assistant, Steve Nebbett, returning to the bench on a temporary basis to help head coach Geoff Warner.

Steinborn-Busse commented: “He will oversee all of our teams although with a specific focus on the under-18s to under-15s, ensuring we have a strong pathway.

“He will also oversee the creation of our new Educational Academy and the plan is to make this a full-time role in the coming two seasons. We currently have 32 teams and there will be more to follow.”

‘These are exciting times for the club, so it’s good to be back’ – Mark Tallentire One, however, that will not be seen next season is the side that recently finished runners-up to Flackwell Heath in the Suburban League’s Central Division.

Steinborn-Busse explained their withdrawal from the league, saying: “We are taking a season’s pause to re-assess what league will best fit our needs going forward.”

Andy Findlay and Rob Creech, who were the reserves’ joint managers, have left Larges Lane and are poised to fill a similar role with the Highmoor Ibis first team next season.

The east Reading-based club are hoping to stay in the Hellenic’s Premier Division despite finishing in the relegation zone. They also face league rivals Wantage in the Reading Senior Cup final at Madejski Stadium on Friday (7pm ko).

Bracknell have confirmed two more pre-season friendlies, playing National League South club Wealdstone at home on Saturday, June 30 (1pm ko) and away to Thame United on August 4 (3pm).