READING City have signed Mitchell Parker – just days after Bracknell Town had announced he had joined them, writes Dave Wright.

As the two clubs now play in different leagues, he can be dual registered, but City have insisted: “Mitch will be playing for us.”

The striker is keen to join up with City’s new managers Andy Findlay and Rob Creech, who were previously both in charge of Bracknell Reserves.

They have made a clean sweep at Rivermoor Stadium and will go into the new season with a completely different team from the one which ended last term as Highmoor Ibis.

He did leave Highmoor last season to join former manager Marcus Richardson at league rivals Flackwell Heath, only to return a few weeks later.

Parker played in two pre-season games for Isthmian League newcomers Bracknell, but last Saturday he pulled on a City shirt for the first time, helping them to beat Eversley & California 4-1 in a friendly.

Two of the goals were scored by trialists, and one is expected to sign on, while the other was looking to have a trial with another club and so is not expected to be offered terms by City.

One of Parker’s former Highmoor team-mates Joe Grant – not to be confused with the Bracknell player of the same name – is also heading back to Scours Lane.

City have also signed two former Oxford United players, goalkeeper Eddy Cavanagh and winger Muctaru Conte, as well as midfielders Eddie Lazarezuk and Jamie Connor.

Findlay said: “We could be announcing as many as eight additional signings very soon. Our squad is being completely rebuilt from last season.”

City have been linked with Woodley United's experienced midfielder Danny Horscroft, though he has also been training with Binfield.

Woodley's central defender Idris Kamara has left the club to join Bostik League South Central Division side Marlow.

In fact, United, who have been relegated to Division One East of the Hellenic League, could be losing many of last season's side and new manager Jon Laugharne is anxious to bring in experienced new players.

Woodley lost 5-3 away to Combined Counties League side Sheerwater in a friendly last weekend after trailing 2-1 at half time.

Their scorers were Liam Wilson, Toby Briggs and Alex Freeth.

AFC Aldermaston's pre-season defeats continued with a 4-1 reverse at the hands of Hellenic League Premier Division side Wantage.

This Saturday, they host Thames Valley Premier League side Mortimer.