Reading City have made a number of signings including an FA Vase winning goalscorer.
Shane Cooper-Clark, scorer of the goal that won Thatcham Town the FA Vase at Wembley Stadium in 2018 – Berkshire’s first ever FA Cup, Trophy or Vase Final appearance – is in town for the Combined Counties League Premier Division North campaign – following on from a spell with the Cityzens reserves last season and some cameo appearances for the First Team.
Manager Simon Johnson said “Shane came into the first team squad towards the end of last season and you could see immediately that his ability in front of goal was certainly still there. He scored some important goals for us including the last kick winner against Abingdon and a brace in the cup final away at Cobham. He brings real firepower and an excellent pedigree to a talented squad. He’s a brilliant character and I’m really looking forward to working with him for the full season. Also a massive thanks to our reserve manager Jake Keegan for his support in getting him into the first team set up.”
Cooper-Clark scored 62 times in Thatcham’s Vase winning season, but he is equally as revered at Bracknell Town where he flourished. Voted Uhlsport Hellenic League Premier Division Player of the Year in 2014/15, he scored 36 goals for the Robins as they finished ninth.
In 2018, Keith Pennicott-Bowen said of the player he’d managed and coached: “He hasn’t got any fear put it that way! He’s a natural goal scorer, you see him in training week in week out he practices his shooting and he’s there doing it before, during and after sessions as well.
“He’s always positive and if he’s not scoring, the other side of his game is that he must be in the top four players at Thatcham at the moment for assists. If he’s not scoring goals he’s setting up goals.”
With Reading’s other attacking additions alongside the retained Stefan Brown, of Connor Mattimore, Ollie Harris and Lucas Taplin, the Cityzens should be a force in front of goal.
At the back meanwhile Alfie Grant has returned to The Rivermoor having spent time away that included an FA Vase win of his own with Ascot United.
He is joined at the back by the experienced right-back Dan Williamson – most recently with Tadley Calleva – and centre-back Oli Bourne.
