LOSING player-manager Marcus Richardson is a major blow for Highmoor Ibis FC.

So it came as no surprise to hear that chairman Martin Law is doing everything he can to keep him at the club in some capacity.

A good all-round egg, the former Football League professional would be an ideal ambassador or figurehead.

He is well liked by Highmoor’s junior players and their parents and it would be a massive loss if he left the club for good.

As far as the vacant manager’s job, Law has received a number of inquiries since Richardson quit on Monday night.

  • READING Roadrunners are planning to produce another calendar for 2018.

But it won’t be any old calendar – as female members are boldly going to take off their kit.

For this year, it was the men who were featured in near-naked poses and they raised more than £1,300 for charity.

I fancy the ladies will beat that amount.

  • THE Reading Senior Cup, which has its final at Madejski Stadium, doesn’t look quite the same this season with only 11 entries.

With so many other competitions taking place, it appears that some clubs are cutting back on cup entries.

Holders Bracknell and beaten finalists Binfield have decided not to enter, in addition to Hellenic League rivals Ascot United.

Two other Premier Division teams, Thatcham and Wantage, have been paired together in the first round, while another, Woodley United, will visit Hellenic Division One East newcomers Virginia Water.

Wokingham & Emmbrook and Henley, both previous cup winners, also meet in the opening round.

One surprise among the entries are Didcot-based Thames Valley Police, an unknown quantity whose playing strength probably depends on who is not on duty on the day of the tie. They have a bye to the last eight.

  • HAVING celebrated their 30th-anniversary last weekend, Reading Roadrunners have another reason to party.

Founder member Stan Eldon and wife Marion will be celebrating their 60th wedding anniversary next week.