Our new monthly columnist, The Insider gives us the lowdown from a players perspective and has already produced plenty of talking points in his two columns so far.
As well as a July column, our Insider provided a few predictions on how the Berkshire clubs will get on this coming season.
The Insider writes: “So with this is mind, and what I have seen, and what I know from a variety of sources, here are a few predictions for the teams Football in Bracknell cover.”
Bracknell Town look bang on it this season. I’m fully expecting a successful year and for them to reach the play-offs.
Thatcham Town on the other hand, look like they’ll struggle with the players they’ve lost so far.
Related: See Darrell Freeland’s predictions here
Binfield will have a good season. Roger has retained the players he wanted, and definitely has a team cohesion. I’d expect them to challenge.
Reading City FC – see ‘does money talk?’. A few players I think have gone there for that. If they can get them to become a close knit team, they will be top 6. If not, I wouldn’t be surprised to see a lot of players used again.
Ascot United – The toughest of them all to call. Invested in some good players, and some young ones from Maidenhead. I think the league will be too tough at the top for them to compete, but top 10 is achievable.
Windsor – Top 10 finish. A good decision for Mick Woodham to return, and it’ll pay off.
AFC Aldermaston – I think they will struggle again. Some very heavy defeats in pre season and I don’t think that’ll help.
Eversley & California – I think they will be mid table in CCL1. It’s hard for youngsters who are used to development football to transfer it across to mens football where the quality of football is not as high, but much more physical. Will be a learning curve for Ellis Woods.
Holyport – Barry Rake leaving surprised us all, and losing Paul Rake to Sandhurst will be a blow. If they can retain the rest of last season they will be competitive again. Top 6 finish for me.
Sandhurst Town – Lots of new players and new manager who are experienced at step 6. Will be there or thereabouts come the end of the season if they can be as consistent as Woodley were under Herbert.
Wokingham & Emmbrook – Top 3 in the Div 1 East. Some competitive teams in that league but playing at Bracknell, and improving their squad will be see them finish in the top 3. I feel if they can finish above Burnham, they’ll win the league.
Woodley United – Mid table finish in HD1E will be a success for them based on the players they’ve lost. Losing Danny Horscroft and Idris Kamara are huge losses for any team. Experienced manager in charge [Jon Laugharne], who’ll guide them to mid table through that alone.
Agree or disagree with our insider? Let us know in the comments below. Football in Bracknell will certainly revisit these predictions at the end of the season!
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