‘Bracknell Town has been under a transfer embargo’ says chairman Kayne Steinborn-Busse

Southern League Premier Division South Bracknell Town have been under a transfer embargo, chairman Kayne Steinborn-Busse has revealed.

In an ‘apology to the fans’, the Robins chief said he wanted to bring clarity and set the record straight about why several new players and loan signings either haven’t been signed or seen on the pitch.

In a lengthy post to social media, Mr Steinborn-Busse said the Step 3 side had missed a Financial Reporting Agreement filing over the summer, and that the embargo would be lifted on Friday, September 26.

The full Bracknell Town statement posted on Mr Steinborn-Busse’s Twitter account:

Chairman’s Statement and Apology to Our Fans

I want to bring clarity and set the record straight, as I know some fans are wondering why certain new players and loan signings who’ve been with the squad in recent weeks haven’t been signed or played.

Due to an administrative oversight, Bracknell Town has been under a transfer embargo since the arrival of our new management team. This was caused by a missed Financial Reporting Agreement filing over the summer. As soon as we realised, we acted quickly to resolve the issue. However, key personnel within the Southern League were on annual leave, which delayed the process. I fully accept responsibility for this situation—the blame for the late filing rests with me.

All documents have now been approved, but the league imposed a further seven-day embargo, which lifts this Friday, 26th September.

Because of the embargo, we were unable to register new players or extend or agree loan signings, even if they had been training with us or were ready to join. Heading into the weekend, we had just 12 fit first team players. Our appeal to sign emergency loan players on Friday was denied. After the weekend’s fixture, we were down to 9 fit players, with two more facing late fitness tests. The league held an emergency meeting yesterday and temporarily lifted the embargo, allowing us to sign non-contract players from Step 3 down, but only for last night’s match.

I know this has been frustrating for everyone, especially seeing potential new faces sitting with me during recent games but unable to play. With the embargo lifting this Friday, we’ll finally be able to register new signings and strengthen the squad as planned.

Thank you for your patience & understanding.

New boss

Bracknell endured a second Southern League Premier Division South defeat in a row on Monday night when Evesham United ran out 3-2 winners at Bottom Meadow.

New manager Matthew Saunders won his first game in charge, the FA Cup tie at home to Tadley Calleva, but his first league game was a difficult one at home to Walton & Hersham, which saw the Robins beaten 3-2.

Saunders, replaced Jordan Ive as manager on Friday 12th September.