‘It’s been a pleasure’ Michael Eacott’s Bracknell Town departure confirmed as Reading City bid farewell to legend

Bracknell Town will be a very different looking squad over the next few weeks with long-serving goalkeeper Michael Eacott one of several players to depart the Robins.

The stopper – who played in both of Bracknell’s FA Cup First Round matches against Ipswich Town and Cambridge United, was signed under Bobby Wilkinson from Sutton Common Rovers as the ‘juggernaut’ Robins went on the rampage in the Isthmian League South Central Division One.

Eacott was part of a defence that conceded just 12 goals as the Robins went on to win the division in 21/22.

The goalkeeper announced his departure on social media saying: “After 4.5years and almost 200 games, my time at Bracknell Town is up. From celebrating league success to back-to-back FA Cup runs, but just falling short in the play-offs. It’s been a pleasure to represent the club.”

Eacott’s departure has been met with an outpouring of well wishes from fans and opponents, he has been described by many as ‘the best goalkeeper in the division’.

In a longer post on the clubs Facebook fan page, the goalkeeper said he was looking forward to spending more time with his family over the next few weeks. It is certainly unlikely he’ll be short of offers when he decides to return to the game.

Meanwhile, Bracknell have confirmed the departure of 158-appearance Ethan Burden with the player saying: “Four and a half years, 150+ appearances, promotion, FA Cup First Round Proper, play-off runs and memories for life.

“Bracknell Town given me more than football – it’s given me friends for life. As a local lad, I hope it showed how much it meant. Thanks to everyone at the club and the fans.”

The club subsequently announced defender Sam Magri had departed while Haydon Vaughan had returned to his parent club Aldershot Town.

Bracknell have announced three new signings with left-back Konstantin Ivanov joining permanently from Brentford’s B team, centre-back Theo Robinson has joined on loan from Notts County until January and attacker Alfie Bradshaw is on a 28-day loan from Nottingham Forest. Full details of all three signings are on the Bracknell Town website here.

On the international front, former Reading FC Women midfielder and Wales’ record appearance maker Jess Fishlock has announced her retirment from the international game.

Football in Berkshire’s Abi Ticehurst said the 38-year-old had ‘amplified the women’s game’ during her career.

Fishlock will make her 166th and final appearance for the side against Australia on Saturday 25th October at the Cardiff City Stadium (2pm KO).

At Combined Counties League side Reading City, the club have bid farewell to long-throw King Eddie Lazarczuk.

A post on the Cityzens website said: “Mr. Reading City, who played a key role in our historic 2023/24 campaign departs with nearly 150 appearances to his name, leaving behind a lasting legacy!”

Lazarczuk was in his sixth season with Reading and lifted the Southern Combination Challenge Cup with the side, City’s first piece of silverware as since forming.

He made eight appearances for Reading City this season with his last match the 4-0 defeat of Chipstead.

Division rivals Wokingham Town have added Dylan Clark from Division One Woodley United. Clark made his debut off the bench in the 1-1 draw with Reading City.

Woodley themselves have made an addition with midfielder Jasper Stewart joining from Windsor & Eton.