After narrowly missing out last time, Reading City have gone into the new season as one of the favourites to reach the Cherry Red Records Combined Counties Premier Division North play-offs.
But, better than that, they look a side capable of making a strong challenge for the title.
A good number of last season’s squad have re-signed, underlining their loyalty to the club and manager Simon Johnson, who will also have new assistants sitting next to him on the bench.
“Obviously, the aim is to go at least one place better than last season, as we did in the 23-24 season and have a real shot at promotion,” said Johnson, whose side finished sixth in the table, four points behind Burnham, who filled the last of the play-off places.
Having seen several clubs lose a whole host of players, Johnson said: “The close season was a bit different to last, with much of it spent with the aim of retaining players to continue last season’s successes.
“We only lost a few, and of those Dan Davies headed for Australia and Jay Herbert to America on a scholarship, so new adventures for them both.
“We also said farewell to Sam Tanner, who moved to Hungerford, and to Ousman Darboe, who moved in search of getting more pitch time elsewhere.
“They were four fantastic players that we had to replace.
“We’ve managed to add the quality and experience of Dan Williamson, Lewis Hayden and Alfie Grant as well as bolstering our attacking options by bringing in Connor Mattimore, Ollie Harris and Henry Paxford, alongside Lucas Taplin.”
Former club captain Grant returns once again for a fourth spell in the blue shirt to bolster their defensive options.
“His achievements at this level speak for themselves, and we’re excited to have him returning,” Johnson commented. “He’s now at a great age where his experience will be invaluable to help us as a group on and off the pitch.”
Right-back Dan Williamson is also no stranger to the Scours Lane club, having previously played for Reading Town. Last season, he played for Tadley Calleva in Combined Counties League Premier Division South.
Valuable experience will also be provided by midfielder Lewis Hayden, previously with Milton United, while Henry Paxford scored more than 20 goals for Eversley & California in Premier Division South last season, and forward Connor Mattimore has signed from Wantage Town.
Ollie Harris was previously with Southall, but is well known on the Berkshire football circuit as his former clubs include Binfield and Ascot United. The speedy winger links up with his dad, Brian Harris, City’s new assistant manager.
There will be no change of Rivermoor Stadium’s dressing room for Lucas Taplin, as he has been with Woodley United.
The presence of Grant and Harris means the City squad will have three players who have played in the FA Vase final at Wembley.
Striker Shane Cooper-Clark, who joined City towards the end of last season, scored the only goal from the penalty spot when Thatcham Town beat Stockton in the 2018 final at Wembley, while Grant helped Ascot beat Newport Pagnell 1-0 in 2023 and Harris was in the Binfield team beaten 3-2 by Warrington Rylands in the 2021 Vase final.
As already mentioned, Brian Harris has come in as assistant manager after Michael Butcher and Dave Tarpey left in order to spend more time with their young families, with Dave Wyeth, Kieran Jennings, Jamie Williams and physio Page Swanston completing a solid back-up team for Johnson.
Ellis Cowd has been appointed club captain with Stefan Brown continuing to wear the captain’s armband on the field, with keeper Charlie York and Lewis Hayden the vice-captains.
So, it is all looking good for the Cityzens, and there must be a buzz around the place.
Looking ahead, the City manager said: “The Premier Division North is looking very exciting as it’s the first time that, as far as I can see, no club has ‘come out of the woodwork’ and made a huge statement with signings to win the league.
“With that in mind, I think the league is the most open it has ever been.
“I wouldn’t want to suggest a few clubs that will do well, as I genuinely think that number is in double figures this year, “There are clubs that had a great season last year that will go again, alongside other clubs that will be looking to grow and kick on. This is certainly a league to keep an eye on as I think it will be incredibly exciting with everyone able to beat everyone.”
