The last time Liam Ferdinand played for Jamie McClurg and Carl Withers was in the 2021 FA Vase final at Wembley when he scored both the Binfield goals in a 3-2 defeat at the hands of Warrington Rylands.
The managers are now at Bracknell Town and they have just signed Ferdinand. And his first game will be against Binfield in a pre-season friendly this coming Saturday (July 8th). It was originally scheduled for Hill Farm Lane, where one would have expected to see a good-sized crowd.
Unfortunately, the Moles cannot now host the game “due to unforeseen circumstances” and Bracknell’s SB Stadium is currently out of use due to the ongoing installation of a brand new pitch.
Rather than cancel the friendly, it has been switched to Bracknell’s training ground at the SB Campus.
But there are issues with that, which the club explained in a statement.
“This game will be played behind closed doors as spectators are not permitted at our training ground to watch first-team fixtures due to planning restrictions placed upon the site by Bracknell Forest Council’s planning department. (But) members and season ticket holders are permitted and will be able to gain access to watch this game by emailing louie@thesbgroup.co.uk“
Reading-based Ferdinand missed Bracknell’s 1-1 friendly against Southall at Burnham on Monday but confirmed he will be playing this Saturday.
He has played for them before and is delighted to be playing for McClurg and Withers again.
“I have kept in touch and speak regularly to them, especially Jamie,” said Ferdinand.
“I spoke to six or seven other clubs in steps two and three, mainly three, but I know I have made the right decision”
“We had quite a few chats in the summer about me signing for Bracknell. I spoke to six or seven other clubs in steps two and three, mainly three, but I know I have made the right decision.
“It’s good to play with a club and people you are familiar with.
“I’ve played in the same team with Jamie and Carl, and also a few of the Bracknell players.
“So I am really looking forward to getting going. Bracknell had a great season and I hope I can help them build on that.”
McClurg and Withers commented: “We are excited to have signed Ferdy. He’s a player we know will score goals for us.”
Another player back with the Robins is Zidan Akers, a 24-year-old who usually plays wide on the right flank. He spent time with the club during the 2021-22 season.
A former Reading FC Academy scholar, he spent some time in Scotland with Hearts U23s before moving on to Basingstoke, Thatcham, Hungerford, Walton Casuals and Hartley Wintney.
