Curtis Angell heads back to Thatcham Town as Reading FC and Swindon Town youngsters join non-league sides

An Angell in a time of need? Other Festive headlines on request. The only thing that matters is defender Curtis Angell has returned to Thatcham Town with the club in the Combined Counties League relegation zone.

Angell’s departure from Hungerford Town was confirmed on Monday night and swiftly followed by an announcement from Combined Counties League Premier Division South Thatcham that he was returning.

The Kingfishers were 9th after the sixth game of the league season but have seen a collapse in form that began with a slightly ridiculous 6-2 defeat at home to Knaphill.

‘Ridiculous’ because having watched the game, I remember thinking there was no way a game lacking as much excitement as that should have had eight goals in it.

Since then (23rd September) there have been eight defeats in league games coupled with exits from the FA Vase, County Cup and Premier Challenge Cup – though somewhat ironically Knaphill provided only Thatcham’s second win of that spell on Saturday when they were beaten 2-1 at home.

As one of Thatcham’s famous FA Vase-winning players, Angell will undoubtedly bring defensive solidity to the side and that should start at home to Cobham on Tuesday night.

Binfield have added young defender Joshua McMenemy to their squad on a one-month loan from Maidenhead United.

Combined Counties League Reading City have landed highly-rated Swindon Town youngster Anton Robinson.

The 6ft 5inch goalkeeper replaces long-serving goalkeeper Charlie York in goal. York, the clubs leading appearance-maker is currently out of action until the New Year having undergone surgery.

Manager Simon Johnson said: “We’re delighted to welcome Anton Robinson to the club. He’s a talented young goalkeeper with real presence, and he’ll provide vital support for the squad while Charlie York recovers from his operation.”

Hungerford Town meanwhile have bolstered their Southern League side with the signature of Cole Fleming, who joins on loan from Chippenham Town.

The Crusaders website said: “The exciting young winger, who came through the ranks at Cardiff City before joining Chippenham this summer, adds more options to our squad.”

Enterprise National League South Slough Town have made two signings including one for an undisclosed fee (which is an exciting duo of words for those of us of a certain age).

21-year-old forward Ruben Shakpoke has signed from Welling United for that fee that shall remain undisclosed and, according to the Rebels website, comes with ‘an exciting pedigree, having developed through the academies of Norwich City, Aston Villa and West Bromwich Albion before gaining senior experience across the National League system’.

The other new Rebel is 21-year-old midfielder Jacob Borgnis has joined Slough on loan from League One Reading. A statement said: “Born in New Zealand, the right-footed midfielder is known for his intelligence on the ball and adaptability, characteristics that have seen him trusted in multiple roles during his progression through the Royals’ setup.”

Outside of Berkshire, former FA Vase winner Rhys Forster has joined Uxbridge from National League South Enfield Town.