BRACKNELL Town FC have appointed Bobby Wilkinson as their new first-team manager, writes Dave Wright.

But Mark Tallentire, who has been in charge since the club sacked Sam Lock in October, will stay at Larges Lane in a director's role.

The Robins have lost their last three Isthmian League games and face a particularly tough task this coming Saturday when they host South Central Division leaders Hanwell.

Wilkinson parted company with National League side Wealdstone in March, having joined them in August 2017. He had previously spent seven seasons with Hungerford, where he led them to Step Two level.

He has also had close links with Reading FC over a long period of time.

Bracknell have issued this statement: "Over the past six months, the club has gone from strength to strength with the introduction of our international and domestic Academy, both offering long-term stability for the club.

"However, rather disappointingly, our first team has not been as progressive and has lost significant ground with regards to our expectations. The club's ambitions remain the same, we want to climb the non-league pyramid, however, at this stage, we find ourselves in the poorest form since this project started four years ago.

"For the record, the club would like to thank Mark Tallentire for undertaking the role of first-team interim manager over the past seven weeks and his introduction has been crucial in landing the long term services of Bobby.

"Tally will remain an integral part of the club and will return to his role on the board supporting the growth of the club he loves.

"Bobby arrives with huge pedigree, experience and a wealth of knowledge around the non-league circuit. His track record of success at every club he’s been is second to none and his passion for the game is infectious." The club's technical director, Stephen Peters, commented: “I’ve known Bobby for 15 years or so, at one stage we were in conversations regarding working together back in his days at Hungerford Town.

"He’s a true football man, he lives, breathes and sleeps football, he’s an incredibly passionate person that expects his colleagues and players to work as hard as he does, in the pursuit of success. As a club we do expect our players to wear our shirt with pride and give everything for the cause, to include every player from our U7s to the first team."