Fan previews: Ascot United, Binfield, Reading City and Windsor in focus

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The two step 5 leagues containing Berkshire club kick off on Saturday with Ascot United in the Combined Counties League Premier Division and Binfield, Reading City and Windsor in the Uhlsport Hellenic League Premier Division.

All four sides can – we think – expect an improvement on last seasons finished but we thought we’d ask a supporter of each club for their thoughts on the season ahead.

Before it all kicks off though, how do you think things will go? Cast your votes in our Hellenic League Premier Division and Combined Counties League Premier Division predictors.

You can find all the fixtures for Berkshire including the four clubs mentioned here.

Ascot United

Jamie Tompkins. Photo: Neil Graham.

Division: Combined Counties League Premier Division Last season finish: 7th Manager: Jamie Tompkins.

Fan preview by: Neal Jeffs. Vote here to have your say in our Combined Counties League Premier Division predictor.

How has pre season been?

Results-wise, pretty good. I’ve not been down to watch yet, but 5 wins including 4 clean sheets from 7 games heading into our final friendly bodes well.

What’s a realistic aim for this season on the pitch?

The gaffer might think differently but I’d like to think we could finish in the top 3.

Being positive, with a fair wind and a bit of momentum, where might you finish?

2nd

New signing you are most excited to see more of and why?

Probably Ian Davies. If he can do for us what he has done at Binfield and get a good partnership with returning ‘legend’ Jon Bennett, then he is capable of 30 goals.

Player you wish you could have kept hold of and why?

Dan Price. Photo: Rob Mack/Shooting Stars.
Dan Price. Photo: Rob Mack/Shooting Stars.

Er, actually all the players who left us were talented but Dan Price on his day was a superb play maker and capable of much more goals than he scored from midfield.

Which player do you expect to breakthrough this season and why?

I’d like to see James Richardson our U18 schoolboy international start to make his mark at senior level. He’s already done that in a couple of games, but if he can do it regularly and stay fit this could be the start of something much bigger.

Who do you see as your big rivals this season?

Having not followed the form or betting I don’t know. Sutton Common Rovers maybe? Abbey Rangers too?

You can only do one away day this season, what’s your choice and why?

Haha! If we drew Jersey Bulls away in the league cup then I’d get to see Ascot in Europe for perhaps the one and only time ever! Well, almost. In the league I am looking forward to the travelling Ascot fans filling up Kingfield when we play Sheerwater!

Binfield

Roger Herridge. Photo: Neil Graham.
Roger Herridge. Photo: Neil Graham.

Division: Uhlsport Hellenic League Premier Division Last season finish: 9th Manager: Roger Herridge.

Fan preview by: Ben Churchill. Vote here to have your say in out Uhlsport Hellenic League Premier Division predictor.

How has pre season been?

Up’s and downs, but it’s coming together just in time for the start of the new season!

What’s a realistic aim for this season on the pitch?

Top 3!! No pressure Roger

Being positive, with a fair wind and a bit of momentum, where might you finish?

With the new signing coming in and with a good mix of youth and experienced players. Top 3 has to be the target, maybe with a bit of silverware on the way..

New signing you are most excited to see more of and why?

Idris Kamara. Photo: Neil Graham.
Idris Kamara. Photo: Neil Graham.

Idris Kamara – Solid and claim head at the back, great addition

Player you wish you could have kept hold of and why?

Sonny Wheeler – Safe pair of hands and a great shot stopper

Which player do you expect to breakthrough this season and why?

Charlie Wheeler – seen him a couple of times in pre season and he’s been excellent. Has the potential to really push on this season under the guidance of the more experienced players

Who do you see as your big rivals this season?

Brackley Town Saints

You can only do one away day this season, what’s your choice and why?

Windsor – Local rivals and its always a full blooded fixture

Reading City

Reading City manager Simon Johnson. Photo: Neil Graham.
Reading City manager Simon Johnson. Photo: Neil Graham.

Division: Uhlsport Hellenic League Premier Division Last season finish: 18th Manager: Simon Johnson.

Fan preview by: Freddie Lanch. Vote here to have your say in out Uhlsport Hellenic League Premier Division predictor.

How has pre season been?

Mixed bag. Some good performances put together with some really poor ones. I dont read too much into preseason, so personally im not too worried. Neither it appears is the gaffer as he took last weekend’s game off to go to Ascot races. I assume he’s fully prepared for the season, especially as the player budget increased due to his £5 winnings on Saturday.

What’s a realistic aim for this season on the pitch?

Solid lower/mid table position. Would be good to build on the good work at times last season. Maybe staying in the league without requiring a technicality would also be a bonus.

Being positive, with a fair wind and a bit of momentum, where might you finish?

Top half. A good run and the squad sticking together, I dont see why not. Been some good signings over the past 6 months, if they blend in well with the youth we should be good to go.

New signing you are most excited to see more of and why?

Thomas Browne. Photo: Neil Graham.

Tom Browne or Arthur Furness in my eyes. Both quality defenders who should help to solidify the back. Considering we spent a vast position of last season picking the ball out of the net, they were necessary signings. Plus the injury to Rhys Yorke is not ideal. His massive head was incredibly useful to clear out set pieces last season.

Player you wish you could have kept hold of and why?

Ousman Darboe potentially. Good goal scorer and could be relied on times. Personally, I’d say the Lawsey the Lion mascot. Hasn’t been seen in months. Feared kidnapped.

Which player do you expect to breakthrough this season and why?

Nathan Jones. Found running about in the u23s, but only after he’s finished revising for his Year 9 SATS exams. Hoping to see him burst into the first team this season as he has been in and around it through preseason. Not that I’m biased or anything but he just joined my Sunday league team. I’m a CB and it makes an incredible change having a CM who tracks back. Simon the Reading manager hasn’t left the centre circle in about 3 years and hasn’t won a header since he was toddler (which only happened by accident)

Who do you see as your big rivals this season?

Binfield are a big local derby. In their eyes anyway.

You can only do one away day this season, what’s your choice and why?

I’d have to say Windsor. Night life is wild and I heard there’s a decent castle knocking about.

Windsor

Mick Woodham. Photo: Neil Graham.
Mick Woodham. Photo: Neil Graham.

Division: Uhlsport Hellenic League Premier Division Last season finish: 11th Manager: Mick Woodham.

Fan preview by: Paul Smithson. Vote here to have your say in out Uhlsport Hellenic League Premier Division predictor.

How has pre season been?

Up and Down. We lost to Holyport a league below us and then beat Wantage who are a league above us!

What’s a realistic aim for this season on the pitch?

A reasonable run In the Vase and finish in the top half of the table.

Being positive, with a fair wind and a bit of momentum, where might you finish?

8th-6th

New signing you are most excited to see more of and why?

Trevor Mutero. He has a very level head and is very skilful on the ball.

Player you wish you could have kept hold of and why?

Dan Roberts. Photo: Neil Graham.
Dan Roberts. Photo: Neil Graham.

Obviously Dan Roberts. He was fantastic for us last season. He knew where the goal was and was very exciting to watch.

Which player do you expect to breakthrough this season and why?

Luke Appleton – really broke into the first team last last season and has been great in defence for us. I think this will be an amazing season for him and that come the end of the season clubs will be after him.

Who do you see as your big rivals this season?

I don’t really feel we have any rivals in this league. This league is so unpredictable that I think anyone can win it.

You can only do one away day this season, what’s your choice and why?

Binfield – Good Tea Bar (especially the burger), Good Bar (Rebellion!), Tidy Ground and Bob Bacon and Rob Challis make you very welcome.

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